Extremely heavy rain predicted in five districts; red alert issued, flash and mountain floods likely

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: There is a possibility of extremely heavy rainfall in the state today. A red alert has been issued in five districts. Red alert is in Kasaragod, Kannur, Wayanad, Kozhikode and Malappuram. A red alert had already been issued in four districts except Kasaragod. Kasaragod was on orange alert. However, the warning was changed after extremely heavy rainfall.

The possibility of extremely heavy rainfall has been predicted in isolated places. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) defines extremely heavy rainfall as more than 204.4 mm of rainfall will be received in 24 hours. Heavy rainfall is expected in a short period of time. It may cause mountain floods and flash floods. There is also a possibility of waterlogging in urban areas and low-lying areas in general. The situation of continued rainfall may cause landslides and mudslides. The public and government agencies should be extremely vigilant.

Orange alert has been issued for Ernakulam, Idukki, Thrissur and Palakkad and yellow alert for Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha and Kottayam. Moderate rain with thundershowers and strong winds gusting up to 40 kmph are likely at isolated places in Thrissur, Malappuram and Kozhikode in the next three hours. The IMD has also informed that light rain is also likely at isolated places in Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Idukki, Ernakulam, Palakkad and Wayanad.

Taluk and district control rooms are functioning 24 hours a day in all districts. The toll-free numbers 1077 and 1070 can be contacted in case of an imminent danger and for assistance.