THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned that seven districts of Kerala are likely to receive heavy rainfall on Saturday. A yellow alert has been declared in these districts. According to the IMD, heavy rain is likely in Thiruvananthapuram, Pathanamthitta, Ernakulam, Thrissur, Palakkad, Malappuram, and Wayanad districts.
A yellow alert has been declared in two districts — Wayanad and Malappuram — on Sunday (March 23) due to the likelihood of heavy rainfall. These regions are expected to receive rainfall ranging from 64.5 mm to 115.5 mm.
The weather department has forecast heavy rain in isolated places and has advised the public in these regions to remain cautious.
Yesterday, strong winds and heavy rain caused widespread damage in Kottayam town and nearby areas. Several electric poles were damaged, leading to power outages that lasted for hours. Power supply has not yet been restored in many places. Uprooted trees caused traffic disruptions on major roads. Reports also stated that ten houses were damaged in the heavy rain.
Thunderstorms are dangerous. They cause great damage to human and animal lives, electrical and communication networks and household appliances connected to electrical conductors. Therefore, the public should take the following precautions from the moment they first see the storm. Since lightning may not always be visible, do not refrain from taking such precautions.
Immediately move into a safe building after seeing the first sign of lightning. Remaining in open areas increases the risk of being struck by lightning.
Keep windows and doors closed during periods of strong winds and lightning. Do not stand near doors and windows. Stay inside the building and try to avoid touching the walls or floor as much as possible.
Disconnect household appliances from the power supply. Avoid being close to electrical appliances during a thunderstorm.
Avoid using the telephone during a thunderstorm. It is safe to use a mobile phone.
If the weather is cloudy, avoid playing outdoors and on terraces, including with children.
Do not stand under trees during a thunderstorm. Do not park vehicles under trees.
Stay inside the vehicle during a thunderstorm. Do not put your arms and legs out. You will be safe inside the vehicle. Avoid traveling in vehicles such as bicycles, bikes, and tractors during a thunderstorm and seek shelter in a safe building until the thunderstorm ends.
Do not go to the terrace or yard to get clothes when you see a rainstorm.
Tie down objects that may fall in the wind.
Avoid bathing during a thunderstorm. Avoid collecting water from taps. Electricity caused by lightning can travel through pipes.
Do not go fishing or bathing in water during a thunderstorm. As soon as you start seeing clouds, stop 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 stopped during thunderstorms.
Avoid flying kites.
It is dangerous to sit on terraces, other high places, or tree branches during thunderstorms.
Do not tie up pets in the open during thunderstorms. Do not go out to untie them and tie them up safely when you see rain clouds. This may cause you to be struck by lightning.
If you are in an open area where you cannot move to a nearby building, curl up like a ball with your feet together and your head and legs between your knees.
Lightning protection conductors can be installed on buildings to protect them from lightning. Surge protectors can be installed to protect electrical equipment.
Lightning can cause burns, loss of vision or hearing, or even a heart attack. It should be understood that there is no electricity in the body of a person struck by lightning. Therefore, do not hesitate to provide first aid to a person struck by lightning. The first thirty seconds of a lightning strike are the golden moments to save a life. Get medical help immediately for the person struck by lightning.
