Thiruvananthapuram: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted light to heavy rainfall accompanied by strong winds at isolated places across Kerala from Saturday to Monday. A yellow alert has been issued for Pathanamthitta and Idukki districts for Saturday.

As per the IMD forecast, Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta, and Alappuzha districts will be under a yellow alert on Sunday. A yellow alert indicates rainfall ranging between 64.5 mm and 115.5 mm within 24 hours. Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, and Alappuzha will continue to remain under yellow alert on Monday as well.

According to the IMD bulletin issued at 4 pm on Saturday, Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Idukki, Ernakulam, Palakkad, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur, and Kasaragod are likely to receive moderate rain accompanied by lightning and winds with speeds reaching up to 40 kmph by 7 pm.

Lightning warning sounded
The Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA) has issued a public advisory urging people to remain cautious and take precautions against 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.