Five More Days of Heavy Rain Forecast in Keralam; Yellow Alert Issued in Several Districts

Thiruvananthapuram: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned that heavy rain is likely to intensify across Keralam over the next five days. Yellow alerts have been issued for several districts, with seven districts under alert today.

Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Idukki and Ernakulam are under yellow alert on Tuesday. Isolated heavy rainfall is forecast. Heavy rainfall refers to precipitation of 64.5 mm to 115.5 mm within 24 hours.

Districts under yellow alert

October 20, 2026: Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Idukki and Ernakulam.

October 21, 2026: Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Idukki, Ernakulam, Thrissur, Palakkad and Malappuram.

October 22, 2026: Idukki, Ernakulam, Thrissur, Palakkad, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad and Kannur.

October 23, 2026: Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Idukki, Ernakulam and Thrissur.

October 24, 2026: Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Idukki, Ernakulam, Thrissur, Palakkad, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur and Kasaragod.

Thunderstorm warning

The IMD has warned that isolated places in Keralam may experience thunderstorms accompanied by rain and strong winds reaching speeds of 30–40 kmph from October 20 to October 24.

Safety precautions during thunderstorms

1. Lightning can be dangerous, posing serious risks to human and animal life, electricity and communication networks, and household appliances connected to electrical wiring. The public should take the following precautions as soon as dark clouds begin to appear. Lightning may not always be visible, so these precautions should not be ignored.

2. Move indoors to a safe building as soon as you notice the first signs of lightning. Staying in open areas increases the risk of being struck.

3. Close doors and windows when strong winds and thunderstorms are likely. Stay away from doors and windows, remain indoors and avoid touching walls or floors as much as possible.

4. Disconnect electrical appliances from the power supply. Avoid contact with electrical equipment during thunderstorms.

5. Avoid using landline telephones during thunderstorms. Mobile phones can be used.

6. If the sky is overcast, avoid playing in open spaces or on terraces, including by children.

7. Do not stand under trees during thunderstorms or park vehicles beneath them.

8. If you are in a vehicle during a thunderstorm, remain inside and keep your hands and feet within the vehicle. Avoid travelling on bicycles, motorcycles and tractors during thunderstorms. Seek shelter in a safe building until the storm passes.

9. Do not go to the terrace or courtyard to collect clothes when thunderstorms are occurring.

10. Secure objects that could be blown over by strong winds.

11. Avoid bathing or collecting water from taps during thunderstorms, as lightning-related electrical currents may travel through plumbing.

12. Do not enter water bodies to fish or bathe during thunderstorms. When dark clouds appear, stop fishing, boating and similar activities and try to reach the nearest shore immediately. Do not stand on a boat's deck during a thunderstorm, and stop angling and casting nets.

13. Avoid flying kites.

14. Sitting on terraces, elevated places or tree branches during thunderstorms is dangerous.

15. Do not tether domestic animals in open areas during thunderstorms. Do not go outside to untie or move them once storm clouds appear, as this could expose you to lightning.

16. If you are in an open area and cannot reach a nearby building, crouch low with your feet together, your head tucked between your knees and your body curled into a ball.

17. Lightning protection conductors can be installed on buildings to protect them from lightning strikes. Surge protectors can be fitted to safeguard electrical appliances.

18. Lightning strikes can cause burns, loss of vision or hearing, and even cardiac arrest. A person struck by lightning does not retain an electrical charge, so do not hesitate to provide first aid. The first 30 seconds after a lightning strike are crucial for saving a life. Seek medical assistance for the affected person immediately.