Heavy rain batters Kerala; IMD issues red alert for four districts
Heavy rain lashed across Kerala on Friday as the IMD issued a red alert for four districts.
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecast bulletin issued on Friday evening, a red alert has been issued for Kasaragod, Kannur, Wayanad and Kozhikode districts.
A red alert indicates the likelihood of extremely heavy rainfall exceeding 204.4 mm in 24 hours.
An orange alert has been issued for Pathanamthitta, Kottayam, Idukki and Malappuram districts, forecasting very heavy rainfall between 115.6 mm and 204.4 mm in 24 hours.
A yellow alert is in place for Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Alappuzha, Ernakulam, Thrissur, Palakkad and Malappuram districts, forecasting heavy rainfall between 64.5 mm and 115.5 mm in 24 hours.
For Sunday, the IMD has issued an orange alert for Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur and Kasaragod districts.
Following the heavy rain, the district administrations in Ernakulam and Thrissur announced a holiday for educational institutions on Friday morning.
Earlier, holidays had already been declared for educational institutions in Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Wayanad, Kannur and Kasaragod districts.
Despite widespread rain, floodwaters have started receding in parts of Kottayam, Pathanamthitta and Alappuzha districts. However, several people continue to stay in relief camps as heavy rain persists in these areas.
The Upper Kuttanad and Kuttanad regions of Alappuzha district remain inundated, although floodwaters are gradually receding, officials said.
Coastal areas have also been affected due to high waves, sea incursion and strong winds.
IMD also warned of strong winds with speeds of 40-50 kmph at isolated places across Kerala for two days from Friday and urged the public to take necessary precautions.
The State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA) said strong winds are among the state's most destructive weather-related hazards, often causing damage through uprooted trees and falling branches.
Authorities advised people not to take shelter under trees or park vehicles beneath them during strong winds and rain.
Residents have been asked to prune weak branches in residential premises and report dangerous trees in public places to the local authorities.
People have been asked to keep doors and windows closed once strong winds begin, avoid standing near them and refrain from staying on terraces.
Those living in houses with thatched roofs, sheet roofing or structurally weak buildings have been advised to shift to safer shelters or relief camps if directed by authorities.
Local self-government institutions, revenue officials and elected representatives have been asked to facilitate the evacuation of vulnerable residents to relief camps wherever necessary.
NATIONAL THIRUVANANTHAPURAM
