THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Heavy rains likely in Kerala. A low-pressure area is located over northwest Madhya Pradesh and east Rajasthan. The low-pressure area that was previously positioned along the coast from Gujarat to North Kerala has weakened. In this situation, light/moderate rains are likely in Kerala for the next five days.
A yellow alert has been issued in two districts till the day after tomorrow. The yellow alert is in Kannur and Kasaragod districts. Isolated heavy rain is predicted. The Central Meteorological Department defines heavy rain as a situation where 64.5 mm to 115.5 mm of rain is expected in 24 hours. IMD has informed that strong winds with a speed of 40 to 50 kmph are likely in isolated places from today till Wednesday.
General precautions to deal with strong winds
There is a possibility of accidents due to trees falling down and branches breaking off in strong winds. Under no circumstances should anyone stand under trees or park vehicles when there is wind and rain.
Dangerous branches of trees in the yard should be cut down. If anyone notices dangerous trees in public places, inform the relevant local bodies.
Since unstable billboards, electric posts, flagpoles, etc. are also likely to fall in the wind, they should be properly strengthened or removed when there is no wind and rain. Do not stand under or near these or park vehicles when there is wind and rain.
Equipment and other objects that are likely to fall in the wind, such as ladders leaning against walls or other objects, should be tied with ropes. Windows and doors should be closed as soon as the wind starts blowing. Do not stand near windows and doors. Avoid standing on the terrace of the house.
Those living in thatched, sheeted or unsealed buildings should move to safer buildings as per the instructions of the authorities during the warning period. Local self-government bodies, revenue officials and public representatives should take the initiative to shift such people identified under the local body level disaster mitigation plan to relief camps at the required stages.
There is a high possibility of electric wires and posts breaking when the wind and rain become strong. If any such accident is noticed, immediately inform the KSEB control room at 1912 or the District Disaster Management Authority control room at 1077.
Avoid repairing the faults during the windy period and carry out repairs only after the wind and rain have stopped. The public should cooperate patiently with the KSEB staff. The public should not do such repair work themselves.
Those who go to work early in the morning, such as newspaper and milk distributors, should be especially careful. They should try to ensure that there are no broken power lines in water bodies or on the roads. If there is any suspicion of any danger, they should inform the control room and proceed only after ensuring that there is no danger.
Before going out into the field, make sure that the power lines passing through the agricultural fields are not in a dangerous condition.
Those engaged in construction work should stop work and move to a safe place when the wind and rain become strong.
