THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Warning of rain with thunder and lightning in various parts of the state in the next three hours. According to the Indian Meteorological Department, there is a possibility of light to moderate rain with thunder and lightning at isolated places in Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Idukki and Kannur districts and strong winds with a speed of up to 40 kmph.

IMD has informed that there is a possibility of rain with thunder and lightning at isolated places in Kerala from today till July 08.

Precautions

Thunderstorms are dangerous. They cause great damage to human and animal life, electrical and communication networks and 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.

• Move indoors immediately at the first sign of lightning. Staying in open areas increases the chance of being struck by lightning.
• Keep windows and doors closed during 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. Can use a mobile phone.
• 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 the vehicle during thunderstorms. Don't put 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.
• Tie-down objects that are likely to fall over in the wind.
• 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.
• Avoid flying kites.
• 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 tied in the open during this time. Do not go when there is a rain cloud to untie them and tie them back securely. This may cause you to experience lightning strikes.
• If you are in an open area 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.