Delhi-NCR thunderstorm alert: Follow these Do's and Don'ts and stay safe

As massive storms have hit across the country for the past few weeks and IMD has issued thunderstorm alert in Delhi-NCR, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA)  issued directives to prepare for the situation. 

National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has shared the do's and don'ts to prepare before, during and after thunderstorms, dust storms or squalls.

Do's and Don'ts for pre-disaster preparation for thunderstorms, dust storms or squalls:

1. Prepare an emergency kit for safety and survival

2. Keep your windows and doors closed

3. Secure your house, carry out repairs in advance, don’t leave sharp objects loose

4. Secure outside objects that could blow away and cause damage, eg: Furniture, bins, etc

5. Get rid of rotting trunks/broken tree branches that could fall and cause injury or damage

6. Monitor radio, TV, newspapers to get latest weather updates and warnings

7. Ensure children and pets are indoors

Do's and Don'ts during thunderstorms, dust storms or squalls:

1.  Keep a watch on local weather updates and warnings

2. Stay indoors and off verandas and porches. Avoid all travel if possible

3. Unplug unnecessary electrical equipment (to isolate them from the main power supply which may conduct a power surge during a lightning storm). Don’t use corded telephones. Mobiles or cordless phones are safe

4. Avoid touching plumbing and electrical pipes. Do not use running water. Avoid taking a bath/shower. This is because lightning can travel along pipes

5. Stay away from structures with tin roofs/metal sheeting

6. Keep away from doors, windows, fireplaces, bath tubs, or any electrical charge conductors

7. Don’t take shelter near/under trees

8. Stay put if you are inside a car/bus/covered vehicle

9. Don’t use metallic objects, stay away from power/telephone lines

10. Get out of the water - pools, lakes, small boats - and take shelter immediately

Do's and Don'ts issued by NDMA after the thunderstorms, dust storms or squalls:

1. Stay away from storm-damaged areas

2. Listen to local radio or TV stations for updated information or instructions on weather and traffic updates

3. Help children, women, elderly and differentlt-abled

4. Stay away from fallen trees or power lines and report them to nearest tehsil/district HQ immediately

On Wednesday early morning, a massive dust storm hit Delhi-NCR with strong winds and rain lashed the national capital while bringing a sudden decline in the temperature. It also stated that areas of Jind, Rohtak, Panipat, Alwar, Bagpat, Meerut and Aligarh may witness light rain with thunderstorm.

This comes after the deadly storm on May 13-14 claimed over 80 lives across five states in the country. Previously on May 2, at least 100 people died in north India and some other states, owing to thunderstorms