Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala is likely to receive light to moderate rainfall in the next five days under the influence of a cyclonic circulation over Gulf of Mannar. The India Meteorological Department predicted that isolated places across are likely to receive heavy rainfall accompanied by lightning and gusty winds with speed reaching up to 30-40 kmph on Wednesday. A yellow alert is sounded for four districts – Pathanamthitta, Idukki, Palakkad and Malappuram on Wednesday.

IMD has advised people to exercise caution to avoid rain-related accidents.

Probable impacts of heavy rain

• Visibility may become poor due to intense spell of rainfall leading to traffic congestion.
• Temporary Disruption of traffic due to waterlogging in roads/ uprooting of trees/
• breaking of tree branches leading to increased travel time.
• Uprooting of trees may cause damage to power sector
• Partial Damages to Kutcha Houses and Huts due to uprooting of trees.
• Heavy rainfall may damage the standing crops and vegetables in the maturity stage.
• Mudslide/landslip likely
• Lightning may injure people and cattle in open places.

Lightning: KSDMA issues safety guidelines
The Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA) has issued a warning, urging people to exercise extreme caution to avoid lightning strikes. Residents have been advised to stay indoors and keep doors and windows closed when they hear thunder or see lightning.

The safety guidelines to avoid lightning strikes are as follows:

• Avoid going outdoors to reduce the risk of lightning strikes.
• Stay away from doors and windows and avoid touching the floor or walls.
• Unplug all electrical devices immediately and refrain from using them.
• Avoid using telephones during thunderstorms.
• If the sky is cloudy, prevent children from playing outside or on terraces.
• Never seek shelter under trees during lightning.
• If travelling by bus or car, stay inside the vehicle. If on a two-wheeler, stop and take shelter in a safe building.
• Avoid taking showers or collecting water from taps during thunderstorms.
• Refrain from venturing into water bodies for fishing or bathing.
• Ensure the safety of domestic animals by keeping them indoors during adverse weather conditions.
• Install lightning arresters on buildings to reduce the risk of lightning damage.