Chumoukedima, Nagaland, April 4 (HBTV): The Nagaland State Disaster Management Authority (NSDMA) and Indian Meteorological Department at Guwahati have issued an advisory on the weather for the coming days.
Updates from the department of Information and Public Relations stated the advisory of the NSDMA.
It stated that heavy rain along with thunderstorm and gusty winds (speed 30-40 kmph) is expected to continue in the state. These showers will be accompanied with other pre-Monsoon activities such as lightning, hailstorm, and thunderstorm along with squally winds which is expected to last till the 16th of April, 2024.
Partly cloudy heavy rainfall along with strong winds and lightening is expected in isolated places in the districts of Peren, Dimapur, Kohima, Phek, Wokha, Zunheboto, Kiphire, Mokokchung, Shamator, Tseminyu, and Tuensang. It added that the maximum temperature will be approximately 31℃ and the minimum temperature will see a dip during this time, settling even below 11℃ over the hilly areas, the agency stated.
The NSDMA has advised citizens to follow traffic advisories; avoid staying in vulnerable structures; provide proper drainage in cropped fields if heavy rainfall is expected; avoid going out of the house during adverse weather especially for working in agriculture field; avoid grazing cattle, fishing, or plying boats, or travelling in general.
“When thunder roars, be inside safe shelter. Avoid metal structures and constructions with
metal sheeting. Safe shelters include homes, offices shopping centres, and hard-top vehicles with windows rolled up,” the NSDMA stated.
“If you are caught outside with no safe shelter nearby, immediately get off elevated areas such as hills, mountain ridges, or peaks,” it stated.
“If you are caught in an open area, act quickly to remove yourself from danger. Hair standing up on the back of your neck with tingling could indicate that lightning is imminent. Immediately get out of and away from ponds, lakes, and other water bodies,” the NSDMA stated.
Further, the NSDMA advised people to keep away from all utility lines and objects that conduct electricity (such as telephone, power, metal fences, overhead wire, rail-road tracks, wind mills, trees and hilltops).
The agency reminded that rubber-soled shoes and car tyres do not offer protection from lightning.
“If you are in forest area, take shelter under small and dwarf trees. Do not take shelter under electric or telephone poles or trees. These attract lightning,” it stated.
“Do not use metallic items and stay away from bikes, electric/ telephone poles and wire fence. If you are working in an open field / outdoor and do not have enough time to take shelter in a safe place, crouch down in a ball-like position with your head tucked and hands over your ears with minimal contact with the ground and make yourself a smaller target.”
Further, the NSDMA advised people to never use mobile phones during lightning.
They are also asked to unplug electrical/electronic appliances like computers, laptops, game systems, washers, dryers, stoves, or anything connected to an electrical outlet, as the main power supply may conduct a power surge during a lightning storm.
“Ensure that children and pet animals are inside. Remove tree timber or any other debris that may fly and cause an accident. Get off bicycles, motorcycles or farm vehicles that may attract lightning. If boating or swimming, get to land as quickly as possible and take shelter in a safe place.”
Further, the NSDMA advised motorists stuck in storm to remain in their vehicles until help arrives or the storm has passed. The metal roof will provide protection if they are not touching metal parts inside; windows should be up and the vehicle must be parked away from trees and power lines, it stated.
The NSDMA has urged the public to exercise caution to avoid any disasters during this period. The NSDMA also requested all the district disaster management authorities and other line departments to be on alert to save lives and properties.