Thiruvananthapuram: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast isolated thunderstorms with lightning across Kerala until Sunday, accompanied by strong winds reaching up to 50 km/h. The department has urged the public to remain alert and take safety precautions.
Lightning poses significant risks to both human and animal life and can severely damage electrical systems, communication lines, and household appliances. In light of this, the IMD has emphasized the need for extreme caution.
People are advised to immediately seek shelter in safe buildings at the first sign of lightning. Remaining outdoors significantly increases the risk of being struck. During heavy winds and lightning, windows and doors should be tightly shut, and individuals should stay away from them.
While indoors, avoid touching walls or floors, disconnect electrical appliances, and stay away from them. Use of landline phones during lightning is discouraged, although mobile phones are considered safe.
Overcast skies are a warning sign to keep children and adults off terraces and open grounds. Standing under trees or parking vehicles beneath them during storms should be strictly avoided, the IMD added in its detailed advisory.
