Thiruvananthapuram, 10 March (HS): The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and rain in isolated parts of Kerala on Tuesday, prompting the State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA) to issue a public advisory urging residents to remain vigilant and follow safety precautions.
According to the advisory, lightning is extremely dangerous and can cause serious injury or death to humans and animals. It can also result in significant damage to electrical and communication networks as well as household appliances connected to power lines. Authorities therefore advised the public to exercise caution during periods of thunder and lightning.
Officials said that at the first sign of lightning, people should immediately move indoors to a safe and sturdy building. Remaining in open areas during thunderstorms significantly increases the risk of being struck by lightning.
Residents have been asked to close doors and windows when strong winds and lightning occur and avoid standing near them. While indoors, people should stay away from walls and floors as much as possible and remain inside until the storm subsides.
The disaster management authority also advised households to disconnect electrical appliances from power sources during thunderstorms to prevent damage. People should avoid being near electrical devices during lightning. While the use of mobile phones is considered safe, using wired telephones during lightning is discouraged.
Children and adults have been warned against playing in open areas or on terraces when the sky is heavily clouded. Standing under trees during lightning is extremely dangerous, and vehicles should not be parked beneath trees because of the risk of branches falling.
Authorities also stressed that people travelling in vehicles should remain inside the vehicle during lightning and avoid extending their hands or legs outside. However, riding bicycles, motorcycles, or tractors during lightning is considered unsafe, and travellers should seek shelter in a nearby building until the storm passes.
People have also been warned not to go to terraces or courtyards to collect clothes when lightning is occurring. Objects that may fall or be blown away in strong winds should be securely tied or stored.
Bathing during lightning is discouraged, and collecting water from taps should also be avoided as electricity generated by lightning may travel through plumbing pipes.
The advisory further warns against fishing, bathing, or entering water bodies during thunderstorms. Fishermen and boat operators should return to the shore immediately upon noticing dark clouds and suspend activities such as boating or casting fishing nets.
Flying kites and sitting on terraces, high places, or tree branches during lightning are also considered highly dangerous, officials said, urging the public to strictly follow safety guidelines.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman
