The District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) in Kollam district of Kerala has told the general public to be vigilant because the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a thunderstorm alert for two days.
Officials have instructed that people should not stay open areas during thunderstorms, and this includes two women from Kollam district who were killed on Tuesday when they got struck by lightning.
When you see a flash of lightening, run into any safe building and close doors and windows. Stay away from electric appliances which must be put off. Don’t use telephone except mobile phone can be used. Avoid outdoors, terrace, trees. Never park vehicles under trees and get inside them during thunderstorms. Do not travel on vehicles such as bicycles or bikes or tractors etc until the end of the thunderstorm and seek shelter in a secure building.
DDMA also advised these individuals against getting near water bodies during a thunderstorm. Whenever there is cloud cover, stop activities like fishing or boating and head towards the nearest shore. Do not stand on deck of boat or even sit on terrace/other elevated place/trees branches.
Livestock keepers ought to try keeping their cows far away from being tied up outside, taking baths with tap water as well as doing some collection of it while there is a storm threatening. Lightning strikes may result in burns, loss of sight or hearing or even heart attacks.
“Do not waste time providing first aid within thirty seconds after someone has been hit by lightening,” said officials; “the victim should get medical attention without any delay.”
