Thiruvananthapuram, 04 August (H.S.):Kerala is likely to experience widespread heavy to very heavy rainfall on Tuesday, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issuing an Orange alert for 12 districts and warning residents in landslide- and flood-prone areas to remain vigilant.

The Orange alert has been issued for Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Idukki, Ernakulam, Thrissur, Palakkad, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur and Kasaragod districts. Thiruvananthapuram and Kollam are under a Yellow alert.

The IMD has forecast isolated very heavy rainfall, defined as rainfall between 115.6 mm and 204.4 mm within 24 hours. Thunderstorms accompanied by strong winds are also expected in several parts of the State.

According to the latest radar observations, isolated areas in Kasaragod district could receive moderate to heavy rainfall accompanied by gusty winds reaching speeds of up to 50 kmph.

Authorities have advised people living in areas vulnerable to landslides, mudslides and flash floods to move to safer locations if directed by local officials. Residents along riverbanks and downstream of dams have also been urged to remain alert and relocate if necessary.

Meanwhile, the IMD has warned fishermen against venturing into the sea along the Karnataka and Lakshadweep coasts on Tuesday. Squally weather with wind speeds of 40-50 kmph, gusting up to 60 kmph, is likely along the Kerala, Karnataka and Lakshadweep coasts.

Rough conditions are also expected over large parts of the Arabian Sea. Winds of 45-55 kmph, gusting up to 65 kmph, are forecast along the Somalia-Oman coasts, west-central and adjoining southwest Arabian Sea, east-central Arabian Sea and northern Arabian Sea.

Fishermen have been advised not to venture into these areas until weather conditions improve.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman