Heavy rain with thunderstorms likely in several districts; two people injured in lightning strike in Kottayam

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Heavy rain accompanied by thunderstorms is likely in various districts of Kerala over the next three hours. Kottayam district is already experiencing heavy rainfall, which has led to accidents in two locations.

In Pala, siblings Ann Maria and Andrews sustained injuries after being struck by lightning. Both are natives of Pala and have been admitted to a private hospital in Cherpunkal for treatment. In another incident, a 27-year-old nurse from Bharat Hospital was injured after a tree fell on her at Thuruthipalam in Kottayam.

According to the weather forecast, widespread rainfall is expected in eight districts in the coming hours. There is a possibility of isolated heavy rain accompanied by thunderstorms in Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Idukki, Ernakulam, Thrissur, and Palakkad districts. Winds may also blow at speeds of up to 40 kmph in these districts, the weather department warned.

The weather department further stated that from today, isolated places across the state are likely to receive rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms over the next three days. There is also a possibility of strong winds blowing at speeds of 40 to 50 kmph. As the chances of lightning-related accidents are high, people are advised to remain cautious.