Strong Winds, Thunderstorms Likely Across Keralam; Yellow Alert Issued for Five Districts

Thiruvananthapuram: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned of strong winds with speeds ranging from 40 to 50 kmph at isolated locations across Kerala over the coming days. The weather agency has also forecast rain accompanied by thunderstorms in several parts of the state.

In view of the expected weather conditions, a Yellow Alert has been issued for Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur, and Kasaragod districts for tomorrow.

The Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA) has released a set of precautionary guidelines urging residents to remain vigilant, noting that strong winds are among the state's most damaging weather-related hazards, often causing extensive property damage and loss of life.

Safety Advisory

Authorities warned that strong winds can uproot trees and cause branches to fall, posing serious risks to people and vehicles. Residents have been advised not to stand under trees or park vehicles beneath them during periods of rain and strong winds.

Homeowners should trim potentially dangerous tree branches within their premises and report hazardous trees in public areas to local authorities.

Unsecured billboards, electric poles, flagpoles, and similar structures may also collapse during strong winds. Officials have advised strengthening or removing such installations during calm weather and avoiding their vicinity during adverse conditions.

Ladders, construction materials, and other objects that could be blown away by wind should be securely fastened. Residents are also advised to close doors and windows as soon as strong winds begin and avoid standing near them. Staying on rooftops during windy conditions should be avoided.

People living in thatched, sheet-roofed, or structurally weak buildings have been urged to move to safer shelters if directed by authorities. Local self-government institutions, revenue officials, and elected representatives have been asked to facilitate the relocation of vulnerable residents to relief camps whenever necessary.

Electrical Safety Measures

The Disaster Management Authority cautioned that power lines and electric poles are more likely to be damaged during periods of strong wind and rain. Any such incidents should be immediately reported to the Kerala State Electricity Board's control room at 1912 or the District Disaster Management Authority's emergency helpline at 1077.

Repair work should not be attempted while adverse weather conditions persist. Authorities have urged the public to cooperate with KSEB personnel and refrain from undertaking electrical repair work on their own.

Special Caution for Early-Morning Workers

Newspaper distributors, milk vendors, and others who begin work before dawn have been advised to exercise extra caution. They should remain alert for fallen power lines, especially in waterlogged areas, and report any suspected hazards to the relevant control rooms before proceeding.

Farmers have also been advised to ensure that electrical lines passing through agricultural fields are safe before entering their farms.

Construction workers should immediately suspend outdoor work and move to safe locations whenever strong winds or thunderstorms develop, the advisory added.

Authorities have urged the public to closely follow weather updates and official advisories as the state braces for unsettled weather conditions in the coming days.