Thunderstorms and heavy rain ahead; yellow alert issued for eight districts

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned that Kerala is likely to receive heavy rainfall for the next five days. A yellow alert has been issued for various districts today and tomorrow. A yellow alert has been issued today for the districts of Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Idukki, Ernakulam, Thrissur, Kannur, and Kasaragod. For tomorrow, the alert will be in place for Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Idukki, Ernakulam, and Thrissur districts.

The forecast indicates the possibility of isolated heavy rainfall. Rainfall between 64.5 mm and 115.5 mm within 24 hours is considered heavy rain. Thunderstorms accompanied by rain are also expected in isolated parts of the state today and tomorrow.

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.
• Immediately move inside a safe building 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 strong winds and thunderstorms. Stay away from doors and windows. Stay inside the building and try not to touch the walls or floor as much as possible.
• Disconnect electrical appliances. Avoid being close 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 terraces, including with 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 or legs out. You will be safer inside the vehicle. Avoid travelling 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 thunderstorm.
• Tie down objects that may fall over 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 bathing in water during a thunderstorm. As soon as you see heavy clouds, stop fishing and boating and try to reach the nearest shore immediately. Do not stand on the deck of a boat during a thunderstorm. Stop baiting and casting nets during a thunderstorm.
• Avoid flying kites.
• It is dangerous to sit on a terrace or other high places or on a tree branch during a thunderstorm.