Thiruvananthapuram, 28 July (H.S.): The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast continued heavy rainfall across Kerala over the next four days, prompting authorities to issue Yellow Alerts for several districts. The warning comes as an intensified weather system over the Bay of Bengal and atmospheric conditions over the Arabian Sea are expected to trigger widespread showers across the State until Friday.
For Tuesday, Yellow Alerts have been issued for Ernakulam, Thrissur, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Kannur and Kasaragod districts, where isolated heavy rainfall is likely. The IMD has advised residents to remain cautious, particularly in areas vulnerable to flooding, waterlogging and landslides.
The weather department said the severe low-pressure area that was positioned over the north-west Bay of Bengal, adjoining West Bengal and north Odisha coasts, has strengthened into a deep depression. The system moved in a north-northwesterly direction and made landfall between Balasore and Kanning along the West Bengal-north Odisha coast. In addition, a cyclonic circulation persists over the east-central Arabian Sea and the adjoining Konkan coast, further enhancing rainfall activity over Kerala.
Yellow Alerts have also been issued for Pathanamthitta, Kottayam, Ernakulam, Kozhikode, Kannur and Kasaragod on Wednesday. On Thursday, the alert will remain in force for Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur and Kasaragod. On Friday, Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Idukki, Ernakulam, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur and Kasaragod are expected to receive heavy rainfall.
According to the IMD, heavy rain refers to rainfall ranging between 64.5 mm and 115.5 mm within a 24-hour period.
Meanwhile, the National Centre for Coastal Research (NCCR) has warned of a high possibility of sea incursion along parts of the Kerala coast due to the Kallakkadal phenomenon. Waves measuring between 1 and 1.3 metres are expected to affect coastal stretches from Kappil to Pozhiyoor in Thiruvananthapuram, Alappad to Edava in Kollam, and Chellanam to Azhikkal Jetty in Alappuzha from 2.30 am on Tuesday until 5.30 am on Wednesday. Similar wave activity, ranging from 1.2 to 1.3 metres, has also been forecast along the Kanyakumari coast until 11.30 pm on Wednesday, with fishermen and coastal residents advised to exercise extreme caution.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman
