Thiruvananthapuram, 05 June (H.S.) :The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast extremely heavy rainfall across Kerala over the next five days, with weather conditions expected to worsen from Saturday as the southwest monsoon gains strength. In view of the anticipated downpour, the IMD has issued red, orange and yellow alerts for various districts across the state.
On Friday, orange alerts have been issued for Ernakulam, Thrissur, Palakkad, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur and Kasaragod districts, indicating the likelihood of very heavy rainfall. The remaining districts are under a yellow alert.
For Saturday, the IMD has issued a red alert for Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur and Kasaragod districts, warning of extremely heavy rainfall that could lead to serious disruptions. Orange alerts have been sounded for Palakkad, Thrissur, Idukki, Ernakulam, Kottayam and Pathanamthitta districts, while Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam and Alappuzha remain under yellow alert.
On Sunday, red alerts will continue for Malappuram, Kozhikode and Wayanad districts. Orange alerts have been issued for Kasaragod, Kannur, Palakkad and Thrissur, while all other districts remain under yellow alert. On Monday, yellow alerts have been declared from Kozhikode to Kasaragod in northern Kerala and from Pathanamthitta to Palakkad in the central and southern regions. Heavy rainfall is also likely to persist on Tuesday, particularly in Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha and Kottayam districts.
Authorities have urged residents in landslide-prone, flood-prone and hilly regions to remain on high alert and follow evacuation instructions issued by local administrations. People living along riverbanks and downstream areas of dams have also been advised to shift to safer locations if directed by officials.
The State Disaster Management Authority has warned against crossing rivers, entering water bodies, fishing, bathing or engaging in recreational activities near swollen rivers and reservoirs during periods of heavy rainfall. Residents have been advised to avoid unnecessary travel, particularly to waterfalls, reservoirs and hill stations, until weather conditions improve.
Strong winds accompanying the rain may uproot trees and damage electric poles and structures. People living in weak or poorly secured houses have been urged to take extra precautions. Authorities have also asked residents in vulnerable areas to prepare emergency kits and stay in touch with local disaster management teams.
Emergency assistance is available round the clock through district and taluk control rooms. Residents can contact the toll-free emergency numbers 1070 and 1077 for help or information related to weather-related emergencies.
---------------
Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman
