THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The India Meteorological Department has issued a weather advisory indicating the possibility of heavy showers and thunderstorms at isolated locations across the state today. According to the IMD, over the next three hours, residents in Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Kottayam, Idukki, Ernakulam, Palakkad, and Malappuram districts should be prepared for light to moderate rain accompanied by thunder and lightning. Gusty winds with speeds ranging from 30 to 40 km per hour are also expected. Furthermore, thunderstorms are anticipated to continue from tomorrow through the 29th of this month.

Precautions

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.