App, TV, radio: Stay alert for lightning, rain updates

Noida: With the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasting a major weather disturbance across UP, the district disaster management authorities in Gautam Budh Nagar and Ghaziabad have issued an orange alert and urged residents to remain extremely cautious over the next four days.Weather forecast states that an active western disturbance is expected to trigger widespread weather changes across the region from Thursday to Sunday. “Temperatures are likely to drop sharply by 6 to 8 degrees, accompanied by heavy rain, hailstorms, and strong gusty winds. May 29 is forecast to be the most severe day, with wind speeds potentially reaching 80 to 90 kmph and gusts touching 100 kmph in several areas,” met officials said.Noida and Ghaziabad both fall under the orange zone, indicating a high risk of damage to life and property.“With the region squarely in the Orange Zone, authorities are on high alert. Residents of Noida, Greater Noida, and Ghaziabad are strongly advised to plan their movements carefully over the next 72 hours and stay connected to official weather updates,” an official said.In Noida, officials urged residents to download the Damini and Sachet apps for weather updates.“The Damini app sends lightning strike alerts up to 20-40km in advance, while the Sachet app provides real-time weather updates and disaster advisories,” said district disaster expert Omkar Chaturvedi. “Timely warnings can save lives. If people receive alerts through these apps in advance, they can move to safety and protect themselves and their families.”Officials from both districts issued safety guidelines and advised residents to step outside only when absolutely necessary and seek immediate shelter in a sturdy building when the weather worsens.Residents are advised to stay away from trees, mobile towers, high-tension wires, electric poles, hand pumps, metal fences and water bodies, especially swimming pools, ponds and rivers, during a lightning storm. Farmers in the area have been advised to avoid going to fields during heavy rain and hailstorms, and cover already-harvested crops in a safe, sheltered place.Ghaziabad district magistrate Ravindra Kumar Mandar also urged residents to avoid rumours. “Citizens need not pay heed to rumours and to follow only official guidelines issued by the administration,” the DM said.