THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned the possibility of extremely heavy rainfall in the state from today. Red alert has been issued in Kannur and Kasaragod. Orange alert has also been sounded in Pathanamthitta, Kottayam, Ernakulam, Idukki, Thrissur, Palakkad, Malappuram, Kozhikode and Wayanad. Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam and Alappuzha are on yellow alert.

Strong westerly winds are blowing over Kerala. Red alert has been declared from Malappuram to Kasaragod tomorrow. Orange alert has also been declared in all other districts. There is a possibility of rough seas on the Kerala coast. Winds of up to 60 kmph and high waves are possible. Fishermen have also been advised not to venture into the sea. Sea erosion is intensifying in the coastal areas of Ernakulam with the heavy monsoon. People in areas like Njarakkal and Nayarambalam have started moving to safer places. The collapse of the sea wall and the geo-bags being washed away are doubling the misery.

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 start seeing the thundercloud. Since lightning may not always be visible, do not refrain from taking such precautions.

• Immediately move inside 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 the power supply to household appliances. Avoid proximity 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 swimming in water during a thunderstorm. As soon as you see dark clouds, stop fishing and boating and try to reach the nearest shore immediately. Do not stay on the deck of a boat during a thunderstorm. Baiting and casting nets should be stopped during a thunderstorm.