Heavy rain, thunderstorms and strong winds likely in Kerala from today; Yellow alert in four districts

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Central Meteorological Department said that there is a possibility of rain with thunder and lightning at isolated places and strong winds with a speed of 30 to 40 km per hour from today till 31st. Yellow alert has been announced in various districts.

Yellow alert has been declared in Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Ernakulam and Idukki districts today. Central Meteorological Department has announced yellow alert for Pathanamthitta and Idukki districts tomorrow and Alappuzha, Kottayam and Ernakulam districts the day after. Isolated heavy rain is also possible. 64.5 mm to 115.5 mm of rain will be received in 24 hours.

The Central Meteorological Department said that in the next three hours, there is a possibility of light to moderate rain with thunder and lightning at isolated places in Pathanamthitta, Idukki and Ernakulam districts of Kerala with gusty winds of up to 40 kmph.

Thunderstorm Warnings

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.

– At the first sign of lightning, immediately move inside a safe building. 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. Baiting and netting should be suspended during thunderstorms.

– Avoid kite flying.

– 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 tethered 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 area where you cannot move to a nearby building, sit in a ball-like position with your feet together and your head between your knees.

- 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.