Heavy rains with lightning, thunder, winds to lash state; 10 districts on alert

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned that there will be rain with thunder and lightning in various districts of the state. Light to moderate rain with thunder and lightning at isolated places is predicted in Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Idukki, Thrissur, Kozhikode, Kannur and Kasaragod during the next three hours.

Strong winds are likely to blow at a speed of 40 kmph. The IMD has informed that there is a possibility of light rain at isolated places in Ernakulam and Malappuram. Yellow alert has been declared in Kannur Kasargod today.

Warnings
Move indoors immediately at the first sign of lightning. Staying in open areas increases the chance of being struck by lightning.

Keep windows and doors closed during high winds and thunderstorms. Stay away from doors and windows. Stay inside the building and try not to touch the wall or floor as much as possible.

Unplug household appliances. Avoid proximity to electrical appliances during thunderstorms.

Avoid using the telephone during thunderstorms. Can use a mobile phone.

Avoid playing outdoors and on terraces, including children, if the weather is cloudy.

Do not stand under trees during thunderstorms. Do not park vehicles under trees.

Stay inside your vehicle during a thunderstorm. Don't put your legs out. You will be safe inside the vehicle. Avoid traveling on vehicles like bicycles, bikes, tractors during thunderstorms and seek shelter in a safe building until the thunderstorm ends.

Do not go out to the terrace or yard during thunderstorms to collect clothes when you see rain.

Tie down items that are likely to fall over in the wind.

Avoid bathing during thunderstorms. Also avoid collecting water from taps. Electricity from lightning may travel through the pipe.

Do not go for fishing fish or bathe in water during thunderstorms. As soon as you see clouds, you should stop activities like fishing and boating and try to reach the nearest shore immediately. Do not stand on the deck of a boat during a thunderstorm. Baiting and netting should be suspended during thunderstorms.

Avoid kite flying.

It is dangerous to sit on a terrace or other high place or on a tree branch during a thunderstorm.

Domestic animals should not be tied in the open during this time. Do not go when there is a rain cloud to untie them and tie them back securely. This may cause you to experience lightning strikes.

If you are in an open place where you cannot move to a nearby building, keep your feet together and tuck your head and legs between your knees and roll up like a ball.

Lightning protection conductors can be placed on top of buildings to protect them from lightning. A surge protector can be fitted for the safety of electrical equipment.

Lightning strikes can cause burns, loss of vision, hearing, or heart attacks. It should be understood that there is no electric current in the body of a person who has been struck by lightning. So don't hesitate to give first aid to a person who has been struck by lightning. The first thirty seconds of being struck by lightning are the golden moments to save lives. Get medical help immediately to the person who has been struck by lightning.