Attention to those going out tonight; thunderstorms expected

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Indian Meteorological Department has announced that there is a possibility of rain with thundershowers in isolated places in Kerala today. Rain is likely in five districts tomorrow. Light rain is predicted in Thiruvananthapuram, Pathanamthitta, Kollam, Ernakulam and Idukki districts.

There is a possibility of rain in the Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam and Pathanamthitta districts on the 17th. The Meteorological Department has announced that rain is possible in all districts on the 19th. Yellow alert has been declared in four districts. Yellow alert has been declared in Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta and Idukki districts.

Cautionary Instructions

Thunderstorms are dangerous. They cause great damage to human and animal life, electrical and communication networks and household 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.

• Immediately move inside a safe building at the first sign of lightning. Staying in open areas increases the risk of lightning strikes.
• Keep windows and doors closed during periods of 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. It is okay to use a mobile phone.
• 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 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.
• 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 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.