Heavy rains with thunder and lightning likely to lash today; yellow alert in six districts, warning for fishing

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Central Meteorological Department said heavy rains are likely to lash the state today. Yellow alert has been issued in six districts. Pathanamthitta, Ernakulam, Idukki, Thrissur, Palakkad and Malappuram are on yellow alert.

The central meteorological department has warned that there is a possibility of light to moderate rain with thunder and lightning at isolated places in Thiruvananthapuram, Alappuzha and Ernakulam in the next three hours and strong winds with a speed of up to 40 kmph.

The rain is due to a low-pressure area over the Karnataka coast. Whirlwind will form over South-East Bay of Bengal by Saturday. In the next 48 hours, it will change into low pressure. As a result of this, the rains are likely to resume next week, according to the meteorological department. Fishermen have been warned not to venture into the sea as the sea is likely to be rough.

Lightning alert

• 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 and stay away from doors and windows during strong winds and thunderstorms. 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 telephone during thunderstorms. It is okay to use a mobile phone. Children should avoid playing outdoors and on terraces 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 stick 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. Don't go out to the terrace or yard to collect clothes when there is a rainstorm or during a thunderstorm.
• Tie down objects that are likely to fall in the wind. Avoid bathing during thunderstorms. Also avoid collecting water from taps. Electricity from lightning may travel through pipes.
• Do not fish or bathe in water bodies during thunderstorms. As soon as you start seeing clouds, you should stop 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 flying of kites.
• It is dangerous to sit on a terrace or other high places 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.
• If you are in an open area so that you cannot move to a nearby building, keep your feet together and tuck your head between your knees and roll up like a ball.
• Lightning conductors can be placed on top of buildings to protect them from lightning. A surge protector can be fitted for the safety of electrical appliances.
• 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 30 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.