Precautionary Guidelines for Thunderstorms and Lightning Issued in Uttara Kannada

Karwar, March 25, 2025: The Uttara Kannada District Disaster Management Authority has issued precautionary guidelines to prevent loss of life and livestock due to thunderstorms and lightning. According to reports from the Karnataka State Natural Disaster Monitoring Centre (KSNDMC), DAMINI App (Lightning Alert), and CAP SACHET App (Rainfall Alert), the district is likely to experience thunderstorms with hail in the next three hours.

Safety Guidelines During Thunderstorms and Lightning:

• Avoid outdoor activities such as farming, cattle grazing, fishing, boating, or traveling during adverse weather conditions.
• Houses with metal roofing are unsafe; seek shelter in secure buildings.
• Move away from elevated areas like hills and take shelter in lower areas.
• Stay away from water bodies such as lakes, streams, and rivers.
• Maintain a safe distance from electrical equipment, power lines, telephone lines, mobile towers, wind turbines, and railway tracks.
• If driving, stop the vehicle and stay inside.
• If in a group outdoors, maintain adequate distance to reduce the risk of collective lightning strikes.
• If caught in an open area with no safe shelter, crouch with feet together, keep the head down, and cover ears.
• Follow weather forecasts and alerts issued via KSNDMC and other official sources before stepping out.
• Do not seek shelter under electric poles, telephone poles, or trees, as they attract lightning.
• Avoid using metallic objects, bicycles, electric poles, fences, and machinery.
• Refrain from using mobile phones during lightning.
• Do not use umbrellas with metal frames.
• Keep doors and windows closed and stay away from electrical connections during thunderstorms.
• Ensure the safety of children, elderly individuals, and livestock.
• Remove loose wooden debris or other objects that may become airborne and cause accidents.
• Do not take a shower, wash utensils, or do laundry during lightning, as metal pipes can conduct electricity.
• Avoid using landline phones connected to power lines.
• Postpone travel plans if a lightning alert has been issued.
• Do not use open vehicles like motorcycles during thunderstorms.
• Avoid playgrounds, parks, swimming pools, and beaches.
• If on a boat or swimming, immediately seek shelter in a safe location.
• Close car windows and remain inside the vehicle during lightning.
• Avoid forest areas and open fields, as lightning can trigger wildfires.

In case of emergencies, the public is advised to contact the District Emergency Operations Centre at 08382-229857 or send a WhatsApp message to 9483511015, as instructed by Deputy Commissioner K. Lakshmi Priya