Extremely heavy rain: Red alert in Kannur district till Monday, strong winds and rain will continue in Kerala

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Central Meteorological Department has announced that strong winds and rain will continue in Kerala in the coming hours. Due to the possibility of very heavy rain, IMD has declared a red alert in Kannur district on May 24, 25 and 26. The Meteorological Department defines very heavy rain as more than 204.4 mm of rain in 24 hours.
Extremely heavy rain can cause accidents. Heavy rain is expected in a short period of time. It may cause inundation and flash floods. There is also a possibility of waterlogging in urban areas and low-lying areas in general. The situation of continuous rain may cause landslides and mudflow. The public should be extremely cautious.

Special instructions for the public

* Those living in areas prone to landslides, mudslips and flash floods in the hilly areas that are receiving heavy rainfall should move to a safe place. People should be ready to move during the day itself.

* Those living in low-lying areas where waterlogging is common should move to camps prepared after assessing the situation.

* Due to the possibility of strong winds, those living in unsecured houses and those living in houses with weak roofs should be especially careful. Those who see a danger ahead should contact the authorities and move to safer places as a safety precaution.

* Trees/posts/boards, walls, etc. that are in danger in private and public places should be secured and trees should be trimmed. Dangerous conditions should be brought to the attention of the authorities.

* During heavy rains, it is not allowed to go into rivers or other water bodies for bathing, fishing or other purposes.

* Avoid unnecessary travel as much as possible during heavy rains. Tourist trips to waterfalls, water bodies, and hilly areas should be avoided until the rain warning is lifted.

* Be especially careful when traveling on roads adjacent to water bodies. Be careful on roads where maintenance work is underway. The possibility of road accidents increasing in the event of heavy rains should be anticipated.

* As there is a possibility of sea erosion on various coasts, those living in the danger zones should be alert. They should move away at the necessary stage. Fishing gear should be kept safe.

* In the event of continued heavy rains in districts where red and orange alerts have been declared, relief camps should be set up in advance. The information about the building identified for the relief camp in their area should be informed in advance from the relevant revenue and local authority authorities and the safe route to it should be understood.

* Those in disaster-prone areas should immediately prepare an emergency kit. Instructions for preparing the kit can be found at the link https://sdma.kerala.gov.in/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Emergency-Kit.pdf.

* It is not allowed to climb over bridges above water bodies to view the view, take selfies or stand in groups.

* Avoid night travel to the hilly areas completely.

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

* There is a possibility of accidents due to broken power lines. Therefore, before entering the water bodies on the alleys and footpaths, ensure that there is no risk of electrical danger. Those who go to work early in the morning, children going to classes, etc. should be especially careful about this. If you notice the risk of danger from power lines, inform KSEB on 1912.

Taluk and district control rooms, which operate 24*7, are functioning in all districts of Kerala. Toll-free numbers 1077 and 1070 can be contacted for assistance and in the event of an imminent danger.