Thiruvananthapuram, 24 Nov (H.S.): Heavy rain accompanied by thunder, lightning and strong winds continued to lash several parts of Kerala on Monday, disrupting normal life across the state.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned that thunderstorms are likely to persist until Wednesday due to the combined influence of a cyclonic circulation and a low-pressure system lying over the southwest Bay of Bengal.
A yellow alert has been issued for seven districts on Monday—Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Idukki and Ernakulam—signalling the possibility of 64.5 mm to 115.5 mm of rainfall within 24 hours.
The IMD said that the unstable weather will continue over the next two days, with conditions gradually improving only towards mid-week.
The weather agency has also cautioned that squally winds with speeds ranging between 35 and 45 kmph, and gusts touching 55 kmph, are likely over the southwest Bay of Bengal, Gulf of Mannar, Comorin region and the adjoining southeast Arabian Sea and Lakshadweep–Maldives area.
Similar windy conditions may prevail along the coasts of Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Kerala and Sri Lanka from November 23 to 25.
Fishermen have been advised to stay away from the sea off the Kerala, Lakshadweep and Tamil Nadu coasts until Tuesday, with authorities stressing that rough conditions pose significant danger to small and medium vessels.
The continuing downpour has also raised concerns for Sabarimala pilgrims, who have been advised to exercise caution during their trek. Light to moderate rain is expected at Sannidhanam, Pampa and Nilakkal on Monday, prompting officials to maintain heightened preparedness along the pilgrim routes.
In Kochi, heavy showers on Sunday night triggered widespread waterlogging, slowing traffic and impacting residential areas. In Thaikoodam, a tree uprooted by strong winds fell on a transformer around 7 pm, snapping power lines and causing a loud explosion, residents said.
Electricity supply has not yet been restored along the Yakoob Sleeha service road near the Vyttila–Aroor National Highway, affecting several households and commercial establishments. Repair works are underway, though officials have not provided a timeline for full restoration.
Authorities have urged the public to remain vigilant as the state continues to face intense and unpredictable weather conditions.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman
