Thiruvananthapuram,27 June (H.S):The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned of intensifying monsoon activity across Kerala over the coming days, prompting yellow and orange alerts in several districts and urging residents in vulnerable areas to remain on high alert.
A yellow alert has been issued for Saturday in five northern districts—Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur and Kasaragod—where isolated heavy rainfall is expected. The IMD has forecast rainfall between 64.5 mm and 115.5 mm within a 24-hour period, accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning.
The weather is expected to worsen on Sunday, with yellow alerts extending to 12 districts, including Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Idukki, Ernakulam, Thrissur, Palakkad, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur and Kasaragod.
From Monday, northern Kerala is likely to experience very heavy rainfall. Orange alerts have been issued for Kozhikode, Kannur and Kasaragod on Monday, while Wayanad will also come under an orange alert on Tuesday. The IMD defines very heavy rainfall as precipitation between 115.6 mm and 204.4 mm within 24 hours.
Authorities have warned that the intense rain could trigger landslides, mudslides and flash floods, particularly in hilly regions. Residents living in landslide-prone areas, along riverbanks and downstream of dams have been advised to follow evacuation instructions issued by local authorities and shift to safer locations or relief camps without delay if required.
The Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA) has also cautioned that strong winds accompanying the rain could uproot trees, damage electricity poles and affect houses with weak roofs. People living in vulnerable structures have been urged to take precautionary measures and relocate if they perceive any threat.
The public has been advised to avoid crossing rivers, entering water bodies for bathing, fishing or other activities, and to stay away from bridges over swollen rivers. Visits to waterfalls, reservoirs and hill stations should be postponed until the weather improves.
Authorities have further urged people to avoid unnecessary travel during periods of intense rainfall, exercise caution while driving through waterlogged roads, and never attempt to drive through flooded areas. Residents have also been asked to secure hazardous trees, walls, poles and signboards around homes and public places, report potential dangers to local authorities, and keep emergency kits ready as Kerala prepares for a spell of severe monsoon weather.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman
