THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: There is a warning of rain in the state which is a concern as the Onam celebrations are concluding this evening. There is a yellow alert in six districts including Thiruvananthapuram today. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a rain warning in Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Idukki, Palakkad and Malappuram.
Isolated heavy rain is predicted. Heavy rain means a situation where 64.5 mm to 115.5 mm of rain is expected in 24 hours. A yellow alert has been issued for Pathanamthitta, Idukki, Palakkad and Malappuram tomorrow. The IMD also informs that there is a possibility of rain with thunderstorms and strong winds with a speed of 30 to 40 kmph until tomorrow.
A cyclonic circulation is located over the Strait of Mannar. There is also a cyclonic circulation at a high level over the south Odisha and north Andhra Pradesh coasts. For these reasons, the IMD has announced that there is a possibility of rain in Kerala for the next five days.
Precautionary measures
Move into a safe building as soon as you see 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. Stay away from doors and windows. Stay inside the building and try to avoid touching walls or floors as much as possible.
Unplug household appliances. Avoid being near 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 your vehicle during a thunderstorm. Do not put your arms or legs out. You will be safe inside the vehicle. Avoid riding a bicycle, bike, tractor, etc. during a thunderstorm and seek shelter in a safe building until the thunderstorm ends.
When you see a rainstorm, do not go to the terrace or yard to get clothes during a thunderstorm.
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 see the clouds, stop fishing and boating activities and try to reach the nearest shore immediately.
Do not stand on the deck of a boat during a thunderstorm. Baiting and casting nets should be stopped during a thunderstorm.
Avoid flying kites.
It is dangerous to sit on a terrace or other high places or on a tree branch during a thunderstorm.
Do not tie up pets in the open during this time. Do not go when you see rain clouds to untie them and tie them safely. 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 rods 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 is important to understand that there is no electric current 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. Provide immediate medical assistance to a person struck by lightning.