Thiruvananthapuram,August 25
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast heavy rain across Kerala on Tuesday and Wednesday, leading authorities to place several districts under yellow alert and issue safety advisories for residents and fishermen.
Yellow alerts have been declared in Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Ernakulam, Idukki, Thrissur, Malappuram, Kozhikode and Wayanad on Tuesday. The warning will continue in Pathanamthitta, Kottayam, Ernakulam and Idukki on Wednesday as widespread rainfall persists across the State.
The continuing wet spell is linked to a low-pressure area over Gangetic West Bengal and adjoining regions of Jharkhand and northern Odisha. Under its influence, rain is expected to continue in Kerala until Friday. The IMD classifies rainfall between 64.5 mm and 115.5 mm within 24 hours as heavy rain.
Isolated areas may also experience strong winds reaching speeds of 40 to 50 kmph until Wednesday. Squally conditions, with winds of 35 to 45 kmph and gusts touching 55 kmph, are likely along the Kerala, Karnataka and Lakshadweep coasts.
Fishermen have been advised against venturing into the sea in these coastal regions during the warning period.
The Kerala State Disaster Management Authority has urged people living in areas prone to landslides, mudslides and flash floods to remain alert and move to safer places whenever instructed by officials.
Residents along riverbanks and downstream of dams have also been warned of possible flooding and advised to relocate early if conditions deteriorate.
Authorities asked vulnerable communities to identify their nearest relief camps and shift during daylight hours instead of waiting for an emergency. People may contact local body or Revenue Department officials for details about evacuation assistance and relief facilities.
The public has also been advised to follow official weather bulletins, avoid unnecessary travel during intense rain and stay away from swollen rivers, waterlogged roads and unstable slopes.
