Heavy rain and 'kallakadal' alert for Kerala: Precautions issued

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Central Meteorological Department has warned that rain will intensify in the state. The Meteorological Department has informed that there is a possibility of light rain at isolated places in all the districts of Kerala in the next three hours.

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Research Center has warned that there is a possibility of 'kallakadal' phenomenon and high waves on Kerala coast and Tamil Nadu coast till 11.30 pm tomorrow. Fishermen and coastal residents of these areas are advised to be extra cautious. At the same time, the Central Meteorological Department has informed that there is no restriction on fishing on the Kerala coast and that fishing should not be done on the Lakshadweep-Karnataka coasts.

Central Meteorological Department has announced yellow alert in various districts.

29-06-2024: Wayanad, Kannur, Kasaragod

30-06-2024: Kozhikode, Kannur, Kasaragod

01-07-2024: Kannur and Kasaragod are alerted. A chance of isolated heavy rain is forecast. Heavy rains mean rainfall of 64.5 mm to 115.5 mm in 24 hours.

General precautions for strong winds

Strong winds are the state-specific disaster that causes the most damage and loss of life in Kerala. There is a possibility of accidents due to strong winds uprooting trees and breaking branches. Do not under any circumstances stand under trees when it is windy or raining. Do not park vehicles under trees.

The hazardous branches of the trees in the house yard should be cut. If you notice endangered trees in public areas, inform the concerned local authorities.

Unsecured billboards, electric posts, masts, etc. are also liable to fall in the wind, so ensure that they are properly braced or loosened when there is no wind or rain. Do not stand under or near it or park vehicles when it is raining and windy.

Equipment and other objects that are likely to fall in the wind, such as cones leaning against a wall or other, should be secured with ropes.

As soon as the wind starts blowing, the windows and doors of the houses should be closed. Avoid standing near windows and doors. Avoid standing on the terrace of the house.

Residents living in thatched, sheeted or unsecured houses should move to safer buildings as soon as the authorities ask them to do so during the warning phases.

The Local Self-Government, Revenue Officers and People's Representatives should take the initiative to shift such people identified under the Local Authority Disaster Mitigation Plan to relief camps at necessary stages.

When the wind and rain are strong, the power lines and poles are more likely to break. If you notice any such accident, immediately inform the control room of KSEB at 1912 or the control room of the District Disaster Management Authority at 1077. Avoid troubleshooting during windy periods and carry out only after wind and rain have subsided. Public should be patient and cooperate with KSEB staff. Public should not come in and do such repair works.

Those who go to work early in the morning should be very careful. Try to make sure that the power line is not broken in the water bodies on the roads etc. If any danger is suspected, inform the control room and proceed only after confirming that there is no danger.

Before entering the field, make sure that the power lines passing through the fields are safe.

Those engaged in construction work should stop work and move to a safe place incase of strong winds and rain.