Rain predicted; Alert issued for four districts, yellow alert in many places

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The central meteorological department said heavy rain with thunder and lightning is likely to lash four districts of the state today. Heavy rain is likely in Thrissur, Palakkad, Malappuram and Kozhikode. The meteorological department has also issued yellow alert in various districts till May 16.

Yellow alert has been sounded in Pathanamthitta and Idukki today. Yellow alert has been issued tomorrow in Thiruvananthapuram and Pathanamthitta, on May 15 in Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam and Pathanamthitta and on May 16 in Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta and Idukki.

Alert issued
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 hesitate to take this precaution as lightning may not always be visible.

1. Get inside a safe building immediately at the first sign of lightning. Staying in open areas increases the chance of being struck by lightning.
2. Keep windows and doors closed during high 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.
3. Unplug household appliances. Avoid proximity to electrical appliances during thunderstorms.
4. Avoid using the telephone during thunderstorms. It is okay to use a mobile phone.
5. Avoid playing outdoors and on terraces, including children, if the weather is cloudy.
6. Do not stand under trees during thunderstorms. Do not park vehicles under trees.
7. Stay inside a vehicle during a thunderstorm. 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.

8. Do not go to the terrace or yard during thunderstorms to collect clothes in case of rain.
9. Tie down items that can fall over in the wind.
10. Avoid bathing during thunderstorms. Also avoid collecting water from taps. Electricity from lightning may travel through the pipe.