Thiruvananthapuram,29 June (H.S.) :The southwest monsoon has intensified once again over Kerala, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasting widespread heavy rainfall across the State over the next five days. In view of the worsening weather conditions, Orange and Yellow alerts have been issued for several districts, while authorities have urged the public to remain vigilant against the risks of landslides, flash floods and strong winds.
An Orange Alert has been declared for Kannur and Kasaragod districts on Monday, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur and Kasaragod on Tuesday, and Kannur and Kasaragod again on Wednesday. The alert indicates the likelihood of isolated extremely heavy rainfall ranging between 115.6 mm and 204.4 mm within a 24-hour period. Thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and gusty winds are also expected.
Yellow Alerts have been issued for Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Idukki, Ernakulam, Thrissur, Palakkad, Malappuram, Kozhikode and Wayanad on Monday. On Tuesday, the warning continues for Idukki, Ernakulam, Thrissur, Palakkad and Malappuram, while on Wednesday it covers Thrissur, Malappuram, Kozhikode and Wayanad. On Thursday, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur and Kasaragod remain under Yellow Alert. The warning signifies the possibility of isolated heavy rainfall between 64.5 mm and 115.5 mm in 24 hours.
The Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA) has advised people living in landslide-prone areas, riverbanks and downstream regions of dams to remain alert and shift to safer locations if instructed by local authorities. Residents in vulnerable areas have also been asked to ensure relief camps are functioning and relocate during daylight hours if necessary.
Authorities have cautioned the public against crossing flooded rivers, entering water bodies for bathing or fishing, or visiting waterfalls, reservoirs and hilly tourist destinations while the rain warning remains in force. Motorists have been advised not to drive through flooded roads or overflowing streams and to exercise caution on roads undergoing repair.
People living in houses with weak roofs or in areas vulnerable to strong winds have been urged to take additional precautions. Trees, electric poles, signboards and unstable structures should be secured to minimise damage from gusty winds.
The KSDMA has also asked residents in disaster-prone regions to keep emergency kits ready and avoid all non-essential travel during periods of intense rainfall. District and taluk control rooms are functioning round the clock across the State, and emergency assistance is available through the toll-free helpline numbers 1070 and 1077.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman
