State to receive heavy rainfall in coming days; people in these two districts should exercise caution for next five days

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast the possibility of rainfall in Kerala for the next five days. A yellow alert has been issued in several districts. From today until July 11th, a yellow alert is in effect for Kannur and Kasargod districts. According to the IMD, these districts are likely to receive isolated heavy rainfall. "Heavy rainfall" refers to precipitation measuring between 64.5 mm and 115.5 mm within 24 hours.

A low-pressure trough is currently situated along the coast from Maharashtra to Goa. Additionally, a low-pressure area persists over the southwestern Gangetic West Bengal region, which is expected to move towards Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh in the next two to three days. Another offshore trough stretches from the southern Gujarat coast to the Karnataka coast. Due to these weather conditions, isolated heavy rainfall is likely in Kerala over the next five days. The IMD has also warned of strong winds reaching speeds of 40 to 50 km/h in isolated areas from today until the 9th.

General safety guidelines for facing strong winds
Strong winds are one of the most damaging and life-threatening natural hazards specific to Kerala. Such winds can uproot trees and break branches, leading to serious accidents. Avoid standing under trees or parking vehicles nearby during windy and rainy weather.

Trim and manage dangerous branches of trees in your yard. If hazardous trees are found in public areas, report them to the relevant local authorities. Unstable structures like advertising boards, electric poles, and flagpoles should be either strengthened properly or dismantled during calm weather to prevent them from collapsing during strong winds. Do not stand near or park vehicles close to such objects during adverse weather.

Lightweight items or tools that are propped up against walls or other surfaces — and can easily be blown away — should be tied down securely using ropes. As soon as winds begin to pick up, close all doors and windows. Avoid standing near them, and stay off terraces during such weather.

People living in poorly constructed buildings with thatched roofs, tin sheets, or other temporary structures should move to safer buildings when a warning is issued. Local self-government bodies, revenue officials, and elected representatives must take the initiative to shift such individuals to relief camps as needed, based on the local disaster management plan.