Thiruvananthapuram, 10 June (H.S.):
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has revised its rainfall forecast for Kerala, warning of continued heavy to very heavy rainfall across parts of the state over the next few days. The latest update comes after earlier predictions had indicated a gradual weakening of rain activity from Wednesday onwards.
According to the revised forecast, intense rainfall is likely to persist in several districts on Thursday and Friday, prompting the IMD to issue Orange Alerts in multiple regions. An Orange Alert, which signifies the possibility of very heavy rainfall, has been declared for Ernakulam, Idukki and Thrissur districts on Thursday. On Friday, the alert will remain in force for Kottayam, Ernakulam and Idukki districts.
The ongoing spell of heavy rain is being attributed to a cyclonic circulation located over the interior regions of north Karnataka and adjoining areas. Meteorologists have indicated that the weather system is likely to influence rainfall activity across Kerala for the next several days.
The IMD has warned that heavy to very heavy rainfall may continue across the state until Sunday, increasing the risk of waterlogging, localised flooding and disruptions in vulnerable areas.
For Wednesday, Yellow Alerts have been issued for seven districts — Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Idukki, Kozhikode, Kannur and Kasaragod — indicating the likelihood of isolated heavy rainfall.
On Thursday, Yellow Alerts will be in force in Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Palakkad and Malappuram districts. On Friday, the warning extends to Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta and Alappuzha.
The IMD has also issued Yellow Alerts for Kozhikode, Kannur and Kasaragod on Saturday, while Ernakulam, Thrissur, Palakkad and Malappuram are expected to receive heavy rainfall on Sunday.
Authorities have advised residents, particularly those living in low-lying and landslide-prone areas, to remain vigilant and follow official weather advisories as the monsoon conditions remain active across Kerala.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman
