Thiruvananthapuram : The Indian Meteorological Dept (IMD) has predicted possibility of rainfall, thunderstorms and lightning to last in State up to Saturday. Apart from heavy isolated rainfall today and tomorrow high winds gusting up to 30 to 40 kmph could occur, says IMD.
Yellow Alert has been issued in Kollam, Pathanamthitta and Alappuzha districts. Residents in hilly areas, coastal stretches and placed experiencing heavy rains have been advised extra caution.
High waves scaling 0.5 - 2.0 meters are likely across coasts of Kerala and southern Tamil Nadu up to 11:30 tonight. Therefore the Marine authorities have warned fishermen from taking to the seas and advised high caution to those living in coastal stretches.
State Disaster Management Authority Issues Lighting Warning
The State Disaster Authority offered safety tips to residents during times of thunderstorms and lightning outdoors. They are:
=> Get indoors at the first sign of lightning
=> Avoid staying out in the open
=> Keep windows and doors closed as winds gust outside.
=> Stay being close to doors and windows.
=> Try to avoid touching outer walls of your home and floor.
=> Unplug household appliances.
=> Avoid proximity to electrical equipments while it is still thundering outside.
=>Avoid using land phone at such times. Mobiles are fine.
=> Do stand or stay your vehicles parked under trees.
=> If you are seated inside a vehicle, stay put without sticking out hands, leg or yourself out in the open.
=> Avoid travelling in open vehicles like bicycles, bikes, tractors. Seek shelter if you are stranded in any of these.
=> Avoid bathing during thunderstorms or filling water from taps as pipes conduct electricity.
=> Fishermen should reach the nearest shore at first sign of a storm.
=> Do not stand on the deck of your boat during a thunderstorm. Suspend baiting and netting activities at such times.
=> Domestic animals should not be tethered in the open.
=> Do not go out in rains to untie livestock.
=> If you happen to be in the open with no shelter in vicinity during thunderstorm, get on your knees, tuck your head into limbs in and roll up in fetal position nearly like a ball.
=> Buildings can be secured with lightning protection conductors on roof tops.
=> Surge protectors can be fitted for safety of your electrical equipments.
=> Lightning strike could cause loss of vision, hearing or heart attacks. Offer first aid to such persons. No electricity lingers inside a person’s body so do not hesitate to administer immediate aid and fetch medical help.
There’s special message for persons with disabilities. Visit : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=So1uMkDyzd4
The ‘Damini” mobile app prepared by the IMD is handy to know possibility of thunderstorm in areas.
