THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The India Meteorological Department has issued a warning indicating the likelihood of widespread rain in the state in the coming days. Consequently, a yellow alert has been declared for eight districts today. Yellow alert has been declared in Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Ernakulam, Idukki, Kozhikode, and Wayanad.

The formation of a cyclone over the southwest Bay of Bengal and southern Tamil Nadu is responsible for the expected rainfall. Additionally, cautionary advice has been extended to fishermen and coastal residents due to the possibility of high waves and coastal impacts along the Kerala coast. However, there are no fishing restrictions in place for the Kerala-Karnataka coast and the Lakshadweep region.

Precautions

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 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 travelling on vehicles like bicycles, bikes, and 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.

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 for the person who has been struck by lightning.