IMD warns of flash flood risk across Kerala in coming hours; public urged to stay alert

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned of the possibility of flash floods in isolated parts of all districts of Kerala over the coming hours. The advisory urges the public to remain vigilant as heavy rainfall continues across the state.

In view of the intense rainfall expected on Sunday, orange alerts have been issued for Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Idukki, Ernakulam, Thrissur, Palakkad, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur and Kasaragod districts. The IMD has forecast very heavy rainfall at isolated places in these districts.

According to the IMD, very heavy rainfall refers to 115.6 mm to 204.4 mm of rain within a 24-hour period. Rain accompanied by thunderstorms is also expected.

For Monday, the IMD has forecast heavy rainfall at isolated places in Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Ernakulam, Idukki, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur and Kasaragod districts.

The prevailing weather conditions are being driven by a coastal trough extending from the south Gujarat coast to the north Kerala coast, along with another trough extending from north Karnataka to Kanyakumari through south Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu. A cyclonic circulation over central Rajasthan is also influencing the weather.

Under the combined influence of these systems, the IMD has forecast heavy rainfall across Kerala until Thursday.