THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The India Meteorological Department has issued an Orange alert in Ernakulam district today. 115.6 mm to 204.4 mm of rain is forecast in the next 24 hours. A yellow alert has also been announced in nine districts. A yellow alert has been announced in Thiruvananthapuram, Pathanamthitta, Idukki, Thrissur, Palakkad, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur and Kasaragod districts.

Thunderstorm warning

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.

Avoid playing outdoors and on terraces, including children, if the weather is cloudy.

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 go to the terrace or yard to take clothes when there is a rainstorm or during a thunderstorm.

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

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.