Thiruvananthapuram, Aug 7
Kerala is bracing for another spell of intense rainfall on Friday, with the weather department issuing an orange alert in eight districts and warning of heavy rain, strong winds and rough sea conditions across the State.
The orange alert has been issued for Pathanamthitta, Kottayam, Idukki, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur and Kasaragod districts. Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Alappuzha, Ernakulam, Thrissur and Palakkad are under a yellow alert.
An orange alert indicates the possibility of rainfall between 115.6 mm and 204.4 mm within 24 hours.
Weather officials attributed the intensified rainfall over central and northern Kerala to the influence of Cyclone Dolphin over the North Pacific Ocean. A cyclonic circulation prevailing over the southeast Bay of Bengal is also influencing the weather system. Rainfall is expected to continue across Kerala until August 10.
Isolated areas could experience heavy downpours accompanied by strong winds reaching speeds of up to 50 kmph, prompting authorities to advise people to remain vigilant.
Fishing has been prohibited along the Kerala, Karnataka and Lakshadweep coasts on Friday and Saturday because of rough weather. Winds of 40-50 kmph, occasionally touching 60 kmph, are likely along the Kerala and Lakshadweep coasts.
Meanwhile, the National Centre for Coastal Research has warned of possible sea erosion and coastal flooding due to waves ranging between 1.1 and 1.5 metres along parts of Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam and Alappuzha districts.
Fishermen and coastal residents have been advised to stay away from vulnerable areas and follow instructions from local authorities. Small boats and fishing vessels should not venture into the sea during the warning period.
Authorities have also advised that fishing vessels be securely anchored in harbours and kept at a safe distance from one another.
Beach tourism and other recreational activities along the coast should be avoided until the warnings are withdrawn, while residents in erosion-prone coastal stretches have been asked to exercise heightened caution.
