THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has announced that there is a possibility of rain accompanied by thunderstorms in Kerala today and tomorrow. Isolated areas are likely to experience heavy rainfall. A low-pressure area has formed over the southern Bay of Bengal. The IMD stated that this system is expected to move in a northwesterly direction over the southwest Bay of Bengal until April 8, and there is a possibility it may move northward in the following 48 hours.

Precautions

• 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.