Rains to intensify today; three districts on orange alert

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned of heavy rains in the state again. The IMD has warned that there is a possibility of thundershowers and strong winds with a speed of 30 to 40 kmph (maximum 50 kmph) in Kerala today due to a strong low pressure area in the Bay of Bengal.

An orange alert has been issued in Idukki, Ernakulam and Thrissur today. The possibility of very heavy rain has been predicted in isolated places. The IMD defines Very Heavy Rainfall as rainfall ranging from 115.6 mm to 204.4 mm in 24 hours.

A yellow alert has been issued in Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Palakkad, Malappuram, Kozhikode and Wayanad today. The possibility of isolated heavy rain has been predicted. The IMD defines heavy rainfall as a situation where 64.5 mm to 115.5 mm of rain falls in 24 hours. Rainfall accompanied by thunder and lightning is expected.

Alert issued
Thunderstorms are dangerous. They cause great damage to human and animal lives, electrical and communication networks and household appliances connected to electrical conductors. Therefore, the public should take the following precautions from the moment they start seeing the thundercloud. Since lightning may not always be visible, do not refrain from taking such precautions.

• Move inside a safe building immediately after seeing the first sign of lightning. Remaining in open areas increases the risk of being struck by lightning.

• Keep windows and doors closed during periods of strong winds and thunderstorms. Do not stand near doors and windows. Stay inside the building and try to avoid touching the walls or floor as much as possible.

• Disconnect household appliances from the power supply. Avoid proximity to electrical appliances during a thunderstorm.

• Avoid using the telephone during a thunderstorm. It is safe to use a mobile phone.

• If the weather is cloudy, avoid playing outdoors and on the terrace, including children.

• Do not stand under trees during a thunderstorm. Do not park vehicles under trees.

• Stay inside the vehicle during a thunderstorm. Do not put your arms and legs out. You will be safe inside the vehicle. Avoid traveling in vehicles such as bicycles, bikes, and tractors during a thunderstorm and seek shelter in a safe building until the thunderstorm ends.

• Do not go to the terrace or yard to get clothes when you see a rainstorm.

• Tie down objects that may fall in the wind.

• Avoid bathing during a thunderstorm. Avoid collecting water from taps. Electricity from lightning can travel through pipes.

• Do not go fishing or swimming in water during a thunderstorm. As soon as you see dark clouds, stop fishing and boating and try to reach the nearest shore immediately. Do not stay on the deck of a boat during a thunderstorm. Stop fishing and casting nets during a thunderstorm.

• Avoid flying kites.