Thiruvananthapuram: The meteorological department has forecast thunder showers in Kerala for two days accompanied by strong winds clocking 60 to 70 kmph per hour.
An yellow alert has also been declared in Malappuram district, where heavy rainfalls are expected.
The state disaster management authority has urged people in the state to take the following precautions in view of the chances for flooding and landslides:
1. Travel from 7 pm to 7 am should be avoided to hilly areas of Malappuram, Palakkad, Wayanad, Kozhikode and Thrissur as landslides are likely.
2. Do not step into rivers and streams during rain as the water levels may rise all of a sudden.
3. Avoid parking vehicles under trees.
4. Parents should take care and ensure that children do not take bath in water bodies, ponds, streams and rivers.
Lightning alert
The state disaster management authority has said that severe lightning will accompany heavy rainfall during the summer showers in the state from 2 pm to 8 pm.
This could prove to be dangerous and cause heavy loss of human lives and electrical equipment.
The authority has declared lightning as a state specific disaster.
• Do not allow children to play in open areas from 2 pm to 8 pm.
• Avoid going to the terrace or house premises between 2 pm and 8 pm.
• People engaged in election campaign should avoid standing on raised platforms to deliver speeches while it rains. They should also avoid mikes.
• When the first signs of lightning are visible, rush to the safety of a building.
• Detach the electrical connection of domestic equipment.
• Shut all doors and windows.
• Do not touch metal objects and electrical equipment or stay near them.
• Do not use phone
• Avoid taking bath while there is lightning.
• Try to stay in the most interior part of the house. Do not be in contact with walls or the floor.
• It is dangerous to be on the terrace, an elevated place or on the branch of a tree during lightning.
• Do not remain under a tree
• If lightning occurs while you are in a vehicle, stop the vehicle in an open area and remain there without touching the metal parts.
• Avoid entering water bodies during lightning
• Never engage in kite-flying
• If you are in an open area, crouch by keeping with your legs together and rest your head on the knees, acquiring a ball-shaped position.
• Do not attempt to take wet clothes in open areas during lightning
• Install lightning conductors on buildings and surge protectors for the safety of electrical equipment
• A person hit by lightning may suffer from burns, loss of sight or hearing and even a heart attack. Ensure that no electricity passes through a person hit by lightning and provide first aid. The first 30 seconds after being hit by lightning are crucial.
• Do not keep domestic animals in open areas. Shift them to a safe place.
• Do not venture into open areas if you notice rain clouds in the sky.
