Heavy rains predicted; Widespread damages across state, five districts on red alert

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued warnings for a possibility of very heavy rain in the state today. Five districts are on red alert and orange alert in other districts. Red alert is in Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur and Kasaragod. There were widespread damages across the state in the rains that lashed last night. Tourists trapped in Nelliyampathy after a tree fell have been shifted to a safer place.

The warning states that extreme caution is required in areas receiving continuous rain due to the possibility of landslides, mudslides and floods. A possibility of heavy rain is predicted till June 1. Extreme caution is continuing in Wayanad, which has issued red alert today. Heavy rain continued in the district last night as well. Heavy rain fell in places including Thavinjal and Thondarnadu. There were heavy rains in Vythiri, Chooralmala and Puthumala areas.

Authorities have opened control rooms in Thavinjal, Pozhuthana, Muttil, Thariyod and Meppadi panchayats. Authorities have announced that if the rain continues to be heavy, people living in the danger zones will be shifted to safer areas. Tourist attractions in the district have been closed due to the red alert. Quarry operations have also been banned.

A wall collapsed on top of a parked car in Kozhikode during heavy rain. The wall collapsed on top of a car parked in the parking area of the auditorium near the Mavoor Pipeline Junction. A major accident was averted as there was no one inside or nearby the car. A tree fell on top of a car on the Malappuram-Musliyarangadi state highway in the rain and wind, blocking traffic. An almond tree leaning against the road fell. No one was injured. Meantime, a warning has been issued that there is a possibility of a black sea phenomenon on the Kerala coast. A strict alert has also been issued to fishermen.