Thiruvananthapuram, 02 June (H.S.): Kerala is bracing for an intense spell of monsoon rains beginning Wednesday, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasting isolated extremely heavy rainfall in several districts as the southwest monsoon is expected to make its onset over the state.

The IMD has issued an Orange Alert for Alappuzha, Kottayam, Ernakulam and Thrissur districts on Wednesday, warning of very heavy rainfall at isolated locations. Authorities have urged residents to remain vigilant as weather conditions are expected to worsen over the following two days.

According to the forecast, the rain system will intensify and spread to more districts on Thursday and Friday. Orange Alerts have been declared for Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Idukki, Ernakulam and Thrissur on Thursday. On Friday, Idukki, Ernakulam, Thrissur, Palakkad, Malappuram, Kozhikode and Wayanad are expected to witness extremely heavy rainfall.

The IMD defines very heavy rainfall as precipitation ranging between 115.6 mm and 204.4 mm within a 24-hour period. Thunderstorms accompanied by lightning are also likely across several parts of the state.

In addition to the Orange Alerts, Yellow Alerts have been issued for multiple districts through the week. A Yellow Alert indicates the possibility of heavy rainfall between 64.5 mm and 115.5 mm in 24 hours.

Disaster management authorities have warned residents living in landslide-prone, hill-slope and low-lying areas to remain alert and shift to safer locations if advised by local authorities. People residing along riverbanks and downstream areas of dams have also been asked to monitor official warnings and take precautionary measures.

Officials stressed that residents in disaster-prone regions should ensure that relief camps are operational in their areas and move to such facilities during daylight hours if necessary. Local self-government institutions and revenue officials have been instructed to remain prepared for emergency response.

Strong winds accompanying the rains could pose additional risks, particularly for those living in poorly constructed or damaged houses. Authorities have also warned of falling trees, electric poles and hoardings.

The public has been advised to avoid unnecessary travel during periods of intense rainfall. Activities such as crossing swollen rivers, bathing or fishing in water bodies, and visiting waterfalls, reservoirs or hilly tourist destinations should be strictly avoided until weather conditions improve.

Motorists have been urged not to drive through flooded roads or overflowing water bodies, while local bodies have been asked to secure hazardous trees, walls, signboards and other structures that could pose a threat during the adverse weather conditions.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman