Threat of strong low pressure; Heavy rain likely in Kerala for next five days, yellow alert in four districts

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Central Meteorological Department said moderate rains and isolated heavy rains are likely over Kerala for the next five days as a strong low pressure is located over south-east Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh. The Meteorological Department also said that the low pressure is likely to move over south Rajasthan-north Gujarat region in the next two days.

The Central Meteorological Department said that there is a possibility of moderate rain at isolated places in Malappuram and Kozhikode and light rain in Thiruvananthapuram, Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Idukki, Thrissur, Palakkad, Kannur and Kasaragod in the next three hours. Yellow alert has been sounded in four districts.

Yellow alert has been issued in Idukki, Malappuram, Kannur and Kasaragod. In the wake of predicting heavy rain, a lightning warning has also been issued.

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 strong 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 telephone during thunderstorms. There is nothing wrong in using 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 the vehicle during thunderstorms. 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 to the terrace or yard to take clothes when there is a rainstorm or during a thunderstorm.

Tie objects that can be blown over by wind.

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

Do not fish or bathe in water bodies 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 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 place so that 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 conduit 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.