Thiruvananthapuram, 09 June (H.S.):The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for three districts in Kerala, warning of extremely heavy rainfall and the possibility of weather-related disasters as the southwest monsoon continues to intensify across the state.
According to the latest forecast, red alerts have been declared for Kozhikode, Kannur and Kasaragod districts, while Malappuram and Wayanad have been placed under an orange alert. Yellow alerts are in force for Pathanamthitta, Kottayam, Idukki, Ernakulam, Thrissur and Palakkad districts.
The IMD has warned of isolated spells of extremely heavy rainfall, with precipitation ranging between 115.6 mm and 204.4 mm within a 24-hour period. Heavy rainfall, classified as 64.5 mm to 115.5 mm in a day, is also expected in several parts of the state. Thunderstorms accompanied by lightning are likely to occur in many areas.
Authorities have cautioned that the intense rainfall could trigger flash floods, rapid runoff in hilly regions, waterlogging in urban and low-lying areas, landslides and mudslides, particularly in vulnerable districts. The public and government agencies have been advised to remain on high alert and take all necessary precautionary measures.
The southwest monsoon has advanced further over large parts of the central and eastern Arabian Sea, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and parts of Telangana. Meteorologists said a trough of low pressure extends roughly along the 15°N latitude over the Indian region, while a cyclonic circulation persists over the east-central Arabian Sea off the Konkan coast, contributing to the active monsoon conditions.
The IMD has forecast isolated extremely heavy rainfall over Kerala and Mahe on Tuesday, with widespread heavy rain likely to continue until June 12.
In view of rough sea conditions and strong winds, fishermen have been advised not to venture into the sea along the Kerala, Lakshadweep and Karnataka coasts until Wednesday. Wind speeds of 40-50 kmph, gusting up to 60 kmph, are expected in these regions.
Strong winds and turbulent weather conditions are also likely over several parts of the Arabian Sea, the Gulf of Mannar, the Kanyakumari region, the Tamil Nadu coast, the Sri Lankan coast, the Bay of Bengal and the Andaman Sea. The IMD has urged fishermen to avoid these areas until weather conditions improve.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman
