Woman Dies After Lightning Strike in Kozhikode, Weather Alerts Issued

Kozhikode: A young woman has died after being struck by lightning in Narikkuni. The deceased has been identified as Suneera, wife of Riyas from Cherachorammeethal, Parappara, Pullaloor. The tragic incident occurred while she was sitting on the veranda of her house.

Heavy rainfall has been lashing across the hilly regions and urban areas of Kozhikode district since Saturday evening, leading to waterlogging in several areas. In addition to the fatality, more than two houses have also sustained damage due to the intense lightning activity.

Across Kerala, an Orange Alert has been declared in four districts due to the severe rainfall. Pathanamthitta, Kottayam, Idukki, and Malappuram districts are currently under an Orange Alert. A Yellow Alert has been issued for Ernakulam, Thrissur, Palakkad, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur, and Kasaragod districts. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has also upgraded the existing Green Alert (light to moderate rain) for Thiruvananthapuram district to a Yellow Alert (heavy rain).

The IMD has warned of isolated thunderstorms accompanied by rain and strong winds gusting to 30-40 kmph in Kerala from October 18, 2025, to October 22, 2025.

**Lightning Safety Guidelines Issued**

Lightning strikes are extremely dangerous, posing significant threats to human and animal life, as well as causing extensive damage to electrical and communication networks and household appliances connected to conductors. The public is advised to take the following precautions from the moment storm clouds begin to appear. These precautions should not be neglected, as lightning may not always be visible.

* At the first sign of lightning, immediately move indoors to a safe building. Remaining in open areas increases the risk of being struck.
* During strong winds and potential lightning, close all windows and doors. Avoid standing near windows and doors. Stay inside the building and try to avoid touching walls or the floor as much as possible.
* Disconnect electrical appliances. Avoid proximity to electrical devices during lightning.
* Avoid using landline telephones during lightning. Mobile phone usage is generally considered safe.
* If the sky is cloudy, avoid playing in open areas and on terraces, especially for children.
* Do not stand under trees during lightning. Do not park vehicles under trees either.
* Stay inside your vehicle during lightning. Do not put your hands or feet outside, as you will be safe inside the vehicle. Avoid traveling on bicycles, motorcycles, tractors, or similar vehicles during lightning and seek shelter in a safe building until the lightning subsides.
* Do not go to the terrace or courtyard to retrieve clothes when storm clouds are visible during lightning.
* Secure objects that could be blown over by strong winds.
* Avoid bathing during lightning. Also avoid collecting water from taps, as electricity from a lightning strike can travel through pipes.
* Do not go fishing or swimming in water bodies during lightning. As soon as storm clouds appear, stop fishing, boating, and similar activities, and try to reach the nearest shore immediately. Do not stand on the boat’s deck during lightning. Stop fishing with rods and nets during lightning.
* Avoid flying kites.
* Sitting on terraces, other elevated places, or tree branches during lightning is dangerous.
* Do not tie pets in open areas during this time. Do not go to untie them or move them to a safer spot when storm clouds are visible, as this could expose you to lightning.
* If you are in an open area and unable to reach a nearby building, crouch down like a ball, placing your feet together and tucking your head between your knees.
* To protect buildings from lightning, install lightning conductors on roofs. For the safety of electrical appliances, surge protectors can be installed.

**First Aid for Lightning Victims**

A lightning strike can cause severe injuries, including burns, loss of sight or hearing, or even cardiac arrest. It is crucial to understand that there is no electrical current in the body of a person who has been struck by lightning. Therefore, do not hesitate to provide first aid to a lightning victim. The first thirty seconds after a lightning strike are crucial for saving a life. Immediately seek medical assistance for the person struck by lightning.