THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: A low-pressure area formed over the Bay of Bengal near the Andhra-Odisha coast has weakened into a cyclonic circulation over Chhattisgarh, says the India Meteorological Department (IMD). IMD says that there is a possibility of light/moderate rain in Kerala for the next seven days due to this. Heavy to very heavy rainfall is also likely to occur at isolated places on September 25 and 29. A yellow alert has been declared in Kannur and Kasargod districts today. A yellow alert has been announced in Ernakulam, Thrissur, Kozhikode, Wayanad and Kannur districts on Sunday.

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), there is a possibility of thunderstorms accompanied with lightning and strong winds with a speed of 30-40 kmph (maximum 50 kmph) at isolated places over Kerala on September 25, 29 and 30.

Precautions

Thunderstorms cause great damage to human and animal life, electrical and communication networks and appliances connected to electrical conductors. Therefore, the 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 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. It is okay to use a mobile phone.

– Avoid standing 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. Avoid extending your legs outside. You'll 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 rain or during a thunderstorm.

– Tie down objects that can fall over in the wind.

– Avoid bathing during thunderstorms. Avoid collecting water from taps. Electricity from lightning may be conducted through the pipe.

- Do not go into the water to fish or bathe during thunderstorms. At the first sign of clouds, stop activities like fishing and boating and head to the nearest shore immediately. Avoid standing on the deck of a boat during a thunderstorm. Baiting and netting should also be halted during these conditions.

– Avoid flying kite.