Yellow Alert in Several Districts as IMD Warns of Heavy Rain, Strong Winds

Thiruvananthapuram: The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast heavy rain and strong winds across Kerala on Saturday and Sunday, issuing yellow alerts for select districts over the two-day period.

A yellow alert has been declared for Pathanamthitta and Idukki districts on Saturday, and for Pathanamthitta, Ernakulam, and Idukki districts on Sunday. The IMD defines heavy rainfall as precipitation ranging between 64.5 mm and 115.5 mm within a 24-hour period. Isolated heavy showers accompanied by lightning and thunder are expected across the state.

Winds gusting between 40 and 50 kilometres per hour are also forecast. On Monday and Tuesday, isolated spells of lightning-accompanied rain and winds of 30 to 40 kilometres per hour are likely in scattered locations. The IMD has confirmed that fishing activity along the Kerala, Karnataka, and Lakshadweep coasts will not be disrupted today.

Safety Advisory

The IMD has issued a detailed lightning safety advisory urging residents to take precautions, noting that lightning poses serious risks to human and animal life, electrical and communication networks, and household appliances connected to power lines.

Residents are advised to move indoors immediately at the first sign of lightning and to keep windows and doors shut during thunderstorms, avoiding contact with walls or floors. Electrical appliances should be unplugged, and the use of landline telephones should be avoided during lightning, though mobile phones may be used safely.

Children and adults alike should refrain from playing on terraces or in open areas under overcast skies. Standing under trees or parking vehicles beneath them during thunderstorms is dangerous. Those travelling on cycles, motorcycles, or tractors should seek shelter in a sturdy building until the storm passes.

Fishing, boating, and casting nets must be suspended at the first sign of dark clouds, and those at sea should head to the nearest shore without delay. Flying kites during thunderstorms is also advised against.

Pet owners are urged not to leave animals tied in open spaces and should avoid venturing out in stormy conditions to tend to them. Those caught in open areas with no shelter nearby should crouch low with feet together and head tucked between the knees.

The IMD also noted that lightning strike victims carry no residual electrical charge and should be given first aid without hesitation. The first thirty seconds following a lightning strike are critical for saving a life, and medical assistance should be sought immediately.