Thiruvananthapuram, 25 Oct (H.S.):

The India Meteorological Department has issued a red alert for Kozhikode, Wayanad and Malappuram on Sunday, warning of extremely heavy rainfall as two low-pressure systems intensify rain across Keralam.

Northern Keralam is expected to experience heavy rain on Sunday and Monday. All 14 districts are under weather alerts on Sunday, with seven placed under an orange alert and four under a yellow alert.

Pathanamthitta, Kottayam, Idukki, Ernakulam, Thrissur, Palakkad and Kannur are under an orange alert for very heavy rainfall. Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Alappuzha and Kasaragod have been placed under a yellow alert.

For Monday, the weather department has issued red alerts for Idukki and Palakkad. Orange alerts cover Pathanamthitta, Kottayam, Ernakulam, Thrissur and Malappuram, while Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Alappuzha, Kozhikode and Wayanad are under yellow alerts.

The weather department attributed the intensified rainfall to a low-pressure system over the southern Arabian Sea near the Kerala coast and another over the Bay of Bengal.

Heavy rain has continued in Kozhikode and Wayanad since Saturday evening, prompting authorities to step up precautions in vulnerable areas.

The Kozhikode district administration has issued a caution for residents in hilly regions and imposed restrictions on tourism activities in these areas.

Authorities have advised people to avoid crossing rivers during heavy rain and refrain from entering waterbodies for bathing, fishing or any other purpose.

Tourist outings and night journeys to hilly areas must be avoided until the rainfall warning is withdrawn, the administration said.

Residents along coastal stretches vulnerable to rough seas and wave incursions have also been asked to remain alert.

They should move to safer locations when instructed by authorities and secure fishing equipment to prevent damage.

The administration urged the public to follow official directions, particularly in hill settlements and coastal areas, as the State prepares for further spells of intense rain over the coming days.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman