Severe low pressure; Heavy rain likely in Kerala for next five days, alert issued to people in these districts 

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has informed that there is a possibility of rain in Kerala for the next five days. Yellow alert has been issued in various districts. Yellow alert is in Idukki, Ernakulam, Thrissur, Palakkad, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur and Kasaragod today. The possibility of isolated heavy rain is predicted. Heavy rain is defined as a situation where 64.5 mm to 115.5 mm of rain is received in 24 hours.

A Bay of Bengal low-pressure area intensified into a severe low-pressure area and made landfall along the Odisha coast by morning. It is likely to move over south Odisha and south Chhattisgarh within the next 12 hours and turn into a strong low pressure area (Well Marked Low Pressure Area). A low-pressure area is present in the Arabian Sea from the south Gujarat coast to the north Kerala coast. In this situation, Kerala is likely to receive heavy rain for the next five days. The IMD has informed that strong winds with a speed of 40 to 50 kmph are likely in isolated places in Kerala today.

Public vigilance instructions to deal with strong winds
Strong winds are the most destructive and life-threatening state-specific disaster in Kerala. There is a possibility of accidents due to uprooting of trees and breaking of branches in strong winds. Under no circumstances should you stand under trees or park vehicles when there is wind and rain.

Dangerous branches of trees in your yard should be cut down. If you notice trees in a dangerous condition in public places, inform the relevant local bodies.

Since unsecured billboards, electric posts, flagpoles, etc. are also likely to fall in the wind, they should be properly strengthened or dismantled when there is no wind or rain.
Do not stand under or near these or park vehicles when there is wind and rain.

Tools and other objects that are likely to fall in the wind, such as ladders leaning against walls or other objects, should be tied with ropes.

Windows and doors should be closed as soon as the wind starts blowing. Do not stand near windows and doors. Avoid standing on the terrace of the house.

People living in thatched, sheeted or unsealed buildings should move to safer buildings as soon as the authorities ask them to do so during the warning period.

Local self-government bodies, revenue officials and people's representatives should take the initiative to shift such people identified under the Local Body Level Disaster Mitigation Plan to relief camps at the required times.

When the wind and rain become strong, there is a high risk of power lines and posts falling. If you notice any such accident, immediately inform the KSEB control room at 1912 or the District Disaster Management Authority control room at 1077. Avoid repairing the faults during the windy period and carry out the work only after the wind and rain have stopped. The public should cooperate with the KSEB staff patiently. The public should not go out and do such repair work directly.