Thiruvananthapuram, First Published May 5, 2022, 12:15 AM IST
Thiruvananthapuram: Heavy rain is likely in the state today. The Met Office has warned of heavy rains in all the districts. Heavy rainfall is expected as more humid clouds make landfall due to climate change as a result of increased sun exposure.
Areas from Idukki Lower Range to Pathanamthitta are likely to receive heavy rainfall. It is likely to rain heavily tonight. Chance of strong winds and thunderstorms. The cyclone that formed in the Bay of Bengal will also cause rains. It may become low pressure by another day. Fishing is not currently banned off the coast of Kerala. Yellow alert was declared in Idukki and Malappuram last day.
Suggestions for general caution in dealing with strong winds
Strong winds are one of the most devastating and deadly state disasters in Kerala. Strong winds can cause trees to fall and twigs to break. Do not stand under trees under wind or rain for any reason. Do not park vehicles in trees.
Dangerous twigs of trees in the backyard should be cut down. Inform the concerned local bodies if any dangerous trees are noticed in public places.
Properly reinforce or disassemble unsecured billboards, electric posts, and flagpoles in the absence of wind or rain as they may fall from the trunk. Do not stand or park vehicles under or near it during rain and wind. Tools and other objects that may fall into the wind, such as a ladder leaning against a wall or other object, should be tied with rope.
The windows and doors of the house should be closed as soon as the wind starts blowing. Do not stand near windows and doors. Avoid standing on the terrace of the house.
Residents of dilapidated, sheet-lined or unsealed houses should contact the authorities (on 1077) in advance and move to safer buildings as and when required in the event of a warning. Local self-government bodies, revenue officials and people’s representatives should take the initiative to transfer such people identified under the Local Government Level Disaster Mitigation Scheme to the relief camps as and when required in accordance with the COVID 19 protocol.
Power lines and posts are more likely to rupture when wind and rain are strong. In case of any such incident, immediately inform the control room of KSEB on 1912 or the District Disaster Management Authority on 1077. Troubleshooting should be avoided during the windy phase and only after the wind and rain have stopped. The public should cooperate patiently with KSEB employees. Do not do such repair work in public.
Those who go to work early in the morning, such as newspaper and milk distributors, should be especially careful. Efforts should be made to ensure that the power line does not break due to flooding of roads. If you suspect any danger, you should inform the control room and proceed only after making sure that there is no danger. Before entering the field, make sure that the power lines passing through the fields are safe. Those engaged in construction work should stop work and move to a safer place when the wind and rain are strong.
Lightning – Caution Instructions
The chance of thunderstorms is high between 2pm and 10pm. Lightning is dangerous. They cause great damage to human and animal life and to electrical and communication networks and appliances connected to electrical conductors. Therefore, the public should take the following precautions from the moment they start seeing the cloud. Do not refrain from taking such precautions as lightning is not visible.
– Move into a safe building as soon as you notice the first sign of lightning. Staying in the open will increase the likelihood of thunderstorms.
– Close windows and doors in case of strong winds and thunderstorms, and do not stand near doors and windows. Sit inside the building and try not to touch the wall or floor as much as possible.
– Disconnect household appliances. Avoid proximity to electrical equipment during thunderstorms.
– Avoid using the telephone during thunderstorms. There is nothing wrong with using a mobile phone.
– Children should not play in the open air or on the terrace if the weather is cloudy from 2 pm to 10 pm.
– Do not stand under trees during thunderstorms. Vehicles should not be parked in trees.
– Stay inside the vehicle during thunderstorms. Do not pull the limbs out. You will be safe inside the vehicle. Travel on bicycles, bikes and tractors should be avoided during thunderstorms and seek refuge in a safe building until the thunderstorm ends.
– Do not go to the terrace or yard to pick up clothes during thunderstorms during thunderstorms.
– Tie up objects that may fall in the wind.
– Avoid bathing during thunderstorms. Also avoid collecting water from taps. Lightning current may pass through pipes.
– Do not go fishing or bathing in the water during thunderstorms. As soon as you start seeing the clouds, stop fishing and boating and try to reach the nearest shore immediately. Do not stand on the deck of the boat during thunderstorms. Baiting and netting should be stopped during thunderstorms.
– Avoid flying kites.
– It is dangerous to sit on a terrace or other high place or on a tree branch during thunderstorms.
– Do not tie pets in the open at this time. Do not go to see them in the rain cloud to loosen and replace them safely. This may cause you to be struck by lightning.
– If you are in an open space where you cannot move to a nearby building, keep your feet together and your head between your knees and roll like a ball.
– Lightning conductors can be installed on top of buildings to protect them from lightning. Surge protector can be attached for safety of electrical equipment.
– Lightning strikes can cause burns, loss of vision or hearing, or even a heart attack. It should be noted that there is no electric current in the body of the person who has been struck by lightning. So do not hesitate to give first aid to the person who is struck by lightning. The first thirty seconds after being struck by lightning are life-saving golden moments. Seek immediate medical attention to the person affected by the lightning.
Last Updated May 5, 2022, 12:15 AM IST