Rain to get heavy in state today; yellow alert in four districts including capital; strong winds are also possible

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: IMD has given warning that there will be heavy rain in various districts of the state today. IMD said that light to moderate rain with thundershowers and gusty winds of up to 40 kmph are likely at isolated places over Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Idukki, Ernakulam, Palakkad and Kozhikode districts during the next three hours. The Meteorological Department has also announced yellow alert in various districts.

Yellow alert has been declared in Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta and Idukki districts today. A chance of isolated heavy rain is forecast. Heavy rains mean rainfall of 64.5 mm to 115.5 mm in 24 hours. Meanwhile, the IMD has stated that there will be no disruption to fishing in Kerala-Karnataka-Lakshadweep coasts.

Warning of thunderstorms

• 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 the telephone during thunderstorms. Can use a mobile phone.
• 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 put your legs out. You will be safe inside the vehicle. Avoid travelling on vehicles like bicycles, bikes, and 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 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 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 flying kites.
• 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 area 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 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.