Monsoon to strengthen in Kerala; heavy rains from today, red alert in three districts

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Heavy rains will batter the state as part of monsoons getting stronger in the state. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast very heavy rains in northern districts, heavy rains in central Kerala and heavy rains in southern districts till Wednesday.

Due to the presence of a low-pressure area from the south Maharashtra coast to the north Kerala coast and the strengthening of the cyclonic storm in the western Pacific Ocean, there is a possibility of widespread rain in Kerala from today. The IMD has informed that there is a possibility of light rain at isolated places in all the districts of Kerala in the next three hours. Moderate rain at isolated places over Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Thrissur, Palakkad, Malappuram, Kozhikode and Wayanad; warning says that there is a possibility of light rain at isolated places in other districts.

The IMD has warned that there is a possibility of moderate rain with thunder and lightning at isolated places in Kozhikode and strong winds with a speed of up to 40 km per hour.

The department has issued a red red alert in Kozhikode, Wayanad and Kannur. Yellow alerts have been issued in Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Kottayam and Alappuzha and orange alerts in Ernakulam, Idukki, Thrissur, Malappuram, Palakkad and Kasaragod. Rain may continue till Wednesday.

There is also a threat of a double cyclonic circulation. Should not venture into the sea for fishing in Kerala, Karnataka and Lakshadweep coasts till Wednesday. Wind gusts of up to 55 kmph are possible along these coasts. The National Center for Oceanographic Studies (INCOIS) has informed that there is a possibility of high waves of 2.8 to 3.1 meters along the coasts of Kasaragod and Kannur from 05.30 am to 11.30 pm on the 24th.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Research Center has informed that there is a possibility of Kallakadal phenomenon and high waves on Kerala coast and Tamil Nadu coast till 11.30 pm on June 24th. Therefore, it has been stated in the warning that fishermen and coastal residents of these areas should be extra careful.

Alert directions
1. As the rough seas are likely to intensify, stay away from the danger areas as per the instructions of the authorities.

2. Keep fishing vessels safely moored in the harbor. Keeping a safe distance between boats can avoid the risk of collision. Safety of fishing equipment should be ensured.

3. Avoid trips to the beach and activities at sea completely.