Thiruvananthapuram, 28 June (H.S.): The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has revised its rain warning for Kerala, expanding the areas under the highest level of alert as the southwest monsoon continues to intensify across the State. While extremely heavy rainfall was earlier forecast only for the northern districts, the latest update has extended the warning to include Ernakulam and Idukki, where isolated places are now also expected to receive very heavy rainfall.
In view of the updated forecast, the IMD has issued an Orange Alert for Ernakulam, Idukki, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur and Kasaragod districts on Sunday. According to the weather department, an Orange Alert indicates the likelihood of very heavy rainfall ranging between 115.6 mm and 204.4 mm within a 24-hour period. Thunderstorms accompanied by lightning are also expected in several parts of the State, prompting authorities to advise residents to remain vigilant.
Kerala has been witnessing widespread rainfall over the past few days as the southwest monsoon has strengthened, leading to increasing concerns over waterlogging, flooding in low-lying areas and possible landslides in vulnerable hilly regions.
Rain warnings have been issued for all 14 districts of the State for both Sunday and Monday. On Monday, Kannur and Kasaragod are expected to experience isolated spells of very heavy rainfall, and both districts have been placed under an Orange Alert.
The heavy rain is likely to persist through the coming days. On Tuesday, the IMD has forecast very heavy rainfall in Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur and Kasaragod, while on Wednesday, Kannur and Kasaragod are expected to remain under the influence of intense monsoon activity. Orange Alerts have been issued for these districts on the respective days.
All districts that are not under an Orange Alert on Sunday and Monday have been placed under a Yellow Alert, indicating the possibility of heavy rainfall. On Tuesday, rain warnings remain in force across all districts except those in southern Kerala, reflecting the continuing impact of the active southwest monsoon over the State.
---------------
Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman
