Thundershowers likely today in Kerala except for two districts, possibility of strong winds

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: There is a possibility of rain with thunder and lightning and strong winds with a speed of up to 40 kmph in 12 districts of the state today.

According to the Indian Meteorological Department, there is a possibility of rain in Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Kottayam, Idukki, Ernakulam, Thrissur, Palakkad, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad and Kannur districts.

Thunderstorm instructions

Thunderstorms are dangerous. They cause great damage to human and animal life, electrical and communication networks and appliances connected to electrical conductors. Therefore, the general public should take the following precautions from the time the cloud starts to be seen. Do not avoid taking such precautions because lightning is not visible.

– Immediately move inside a safe building 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 periods of 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 the 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 the vehicle during thunderstorms. 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.

- Do not go to the terrace or yard to take clothes when there is a rainstorm or during a thunderstorm.

– Tie down objects that can fall over 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.

– Avoid playing with 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 down in the open during this time.

- 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. 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 most important moments to save lives. Give immediate medical help to the person who has been struck by lightning.

Special message for differently abled – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=So1uMkDyzd4 Visual media are requested to display this gesture message

'Damini' mobile application prepared by the Indian Meteorological Department can be used to understand the possibility of thunderstorms. Damini app can be downloaded and used from the link: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.lightening.live.damini&hl=en_IN&fbclid=IwAR1li6tfRz8fjPtiZAwJ277PgDeezFB7CRY_OlKMEZLIbkU-MyGEepivEx8

Radio and video media are requested to specifically mention the lightning safety message in the following days.