Extremely heavy rain in state today; Three districts on red alert, holiday for educational institutions in four districts

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has informed that there is a possibility of extremely heavy rain in the state today. Three districts on red alert today. Idukki, Palakkad and Malappuram are on red alert. The IMS defines extremely heavy rain as more than 204.4 mm of rain will be received in 24 hours.

Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Ernakulam, Thrissur, Kozhikode and Wayanad are on orange alert today. A yellow alert has been issued in Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Kannur and Kasaragod. A holiday has been declared today for all educational institutions, including professional colleges in Idukki, Palakkad, Malappuram and Pathanamthitta. There is a possibility of thundershowers and strong winds with a speed of 30 to 40 kmph from today to October 25.

Alert issued

• 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 public should take the following precautions from the moment they begin to see the thundercloud. Since lightning may not always be visible, do not refrain from taking such precautions.
  
• Immediately move into 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 periods of strong winds and lightning. 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 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 and legs out. You will be safer inside the vehicle. Avoid riding bicycles, bikes, tractors, etc. 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 caused by lightning can travel through pipes.

• Do not go fishing or bathing in water bodies during a thunderstorm. As soon as you see the clouds, stop fishing, boating, etc., and try to reach the nearest shore immediately.
  
• Do not stand on the deck of the boat during a thunderstorm. Stop fishing and casting nets during a thunderstorm.
  
• Avoid flying kites.