THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Widespread rains are likely in the state for the next five days. According to the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), isolated places in Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Idukki, Ernakulam, Thrissur, Palakkad, Kozhikode and Wayanad districts are likely to receive light to moderate rain with thunder and gusty winds of up to 40 kmph in the next three hours.

A yellow alert was declared in Pathanamthitta and Idukki districts on Saturday. Idukki is on yellow alert on Sunday as well. The district is likely to receive isolated heavy rain, IMD said. Heavy rain refers to an isolated rainfall of 64.5 mm to 115.5 mm.

Thunderstorms - Warnings

Thunderstorms are dangerous. They cause great damage to human and animal life, electrical and communication networks, and appliances connected to electrical conduits. Therefore, the general public should take the following precautions the moment rain clouds start to be seen. Do not avoid taking these precautions because lightning is not visible.

Move indoors immediately at the first sign of lightning. Staying in open areas increases the risk of lightning strikes.

Keep windows and doors closed and stay away from doors and windows during periods of strong winds and lightning. 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 land phone during thunderstorms. It is okay to use a mobile phone.

Children should avoid playing outdoors and on terraces if the weather is cloudy.

Do not stand under trees during thunderstorms. Do not park vehicles under trees. Stay inside your vehicle during a thunderstorm.

Don't stick your legs out. You will be safe inside the vehicle. Avoid travelling on vehicles like bicycles, bikes, and tractors during thunderstorms and seek shelter in a safe building until the thunderstorm ends.

Do not go out to the terrace or yard to collect clothes during a thunderstorm.

Avoid bathing during thunderstorms. Also, avoid collecting water from taps. Electricity from lightning may travel through the pipe.

Do not go down to fish or bathe in water 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.
Avoid flying a kite
It is dangerous to sit on a terrace or other high place or on a tree branch during a thunderstorm.
Domestic animals should not be tethered in the open during this time. Do not go to untie them or move them back securely when there are rain clouds. This may cause you to experience lightning strikes.

If you are in an open area where you cannot move to a nearby building, sit in a ball-like position with your feet together and your head between your knees.

Lightning conductors can be placed on top of buildings to protect them from lightning. A surge protector can be fitted for the safety of electrical equipment.

A lightning strike can cause burns, loss of vision and hearing, or even a heart attack. 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 after being struck by lightning are the golden moments to save lives. Get medical help immediately for the person who has been struck by lightning.