Rains to intensify in Kerala, three districts on orange alert, warning issued

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted heavy rains in Kerala for the next five days. The IMD has announced orange and yellow alerts in various districts. Orange alert has been announced in Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam and Pathanamthitta today. A chance of very heavy rain at isolated places has been predicted.

Yellow alert has been sounded in Alappuzha, Kottayam, Idukki and Ernakulam. Heavy rainfall is defined by the IMD as rainfall between 64.5 mm and 115.5 mm in 24 hours. Rain with thunderstorms is expected.

According to the IMD, there is a possibility of heavy rain with thunder and lightning at isolated places in Thiruvananthapuram in the next three hours and strong winds with a speed of up to 40 km per hour.

Warning to public
• People living in areas prone to landslides, mudslides and flash floods should move to safer places as per the instructions of the authorities.

• Residents living in river banks and downstream areas of dams should also anticipate the danger and evacuate as per the instructions of the authorities.

• People living in disaster prone areas must ensure that camps are opened in their area and move there during the day. For this, local body and revenue authorities can be contacted.

• People living in unsecured houses and those living in houses with weak roofs should be very careful due to the possibility of strong winds. Those who see danger should contact the authorities and evacuate to safe places as a safety precaution.

• You should also be aware of the dangers that may arise from trees falling down and posts collapsing in the wind. Precautionary measures to be taken during strong winds issued by the State Disaster Management Authority are available from the link https://sdma.kerala.gov.in/windwarning/

• Under no circumstances should one cross rivers, bathe in rivers or other bodies of water, fish or do any other purpose during heavy rains.

• Viewing, taking selfies or congregating on the overpasses above water bodies is not permitted.