Heavy rain disrupts normal life; waterlogging in many places in Kochi, red alert issued

KOCHI: There is waterlogging in many places in Ernakulam following heavy rains. The rain that started Tuesday morning at 2 am continued till 7 am. With this, there was waterlogging in Kaloor, Edappally and Palarivattom areas. All the local residents, including people going for work and children going to school, are in crisis. Even small lanes have been flooded. Although a red alert has been announced, no holiday has been declared for any educational institutions.

Meantime, Kottayam and Idukki are experiencing heavy rain. Instructions have been issued to avoid night journeys. Idukki is experiencing heavy rain in the low range. The shutters of the Malankara Dam are being opened and water is being released. Those living on the banks of rivers have been advised to be vigilant. Street vendors are also in distress in many places.

A red alert has been issued in Ernakulam, Idukki and Thrissur. The IMD defines extremely heavy rainfall as rainfall of more than 204.4 mm in 24 hours. An orange alert has been issued for Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Palakkad and Malappuram. The forecast is for isolated heavy rainfall. IMD has issued an orange alert for Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur and Kasaragod. The forecast is for heavy rainfall of 64.5 mm to 115.5 mm in 24 hours.

Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur and Kasaragod are also on yellow alert. The forecast is for heavy rain. Heavy rain is defined as rainfall of 64.5 mm to 115.5 mm in 24 hours.