Low pressure area in Arabian sea, heavy rains to continue in Kerala, fishing banned

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Chief Minister P Pinarayi Vijayan said in a press conference that there is a possibility of heavy rains in the state today and in the coming days. Yellow alert has been declared in Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Kottayam, Ernakulam and Idukki districts today. The low pressure area that develops in the Arabian Sea in the coming day is likely to turn into a hurricane. Therefore, fishing will be banned off the coast of Kerala from midnight today and no one should go to sea without the notification of the Disaster Management Authority. The CM also suggested that those who are currently fishing in the deep sea should move to safer shores.

Apart from Thiruvananthapuram and Kollam districts, Ernakulam, Kottayam and Idakki have been warned of heavy rains today. On Thursday, the low pressure area in the Arabian Sea could turn into a hurricane. Orange alert is declared in Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Ernakulam, Idukki and Thrissur districts on Friday. On Saturday, all the above six districts except Kollam will be on orange alert.

Rains will intensify in Kerala from 14 onwards. Those who go deep sea fishing are advised to reach a safe place by Friday. Fishing is prohibited off the coast of Kerala. The disaster management department has issued a warning to those living in coastal areas. The sea is expected to be rough. Winds could reach up to 50 kilometers per hour. Thunderstorms are also likely. The CM also directed the people living in the coastal areas to shift to safer camps as the sea level rise is likely to intensify. It will be led by local bodies and revenue officials. The formation and development of low depression is closely monitored. The information will be communicated to the public in a timely manner. The instructions must be strictly followed. The control rooms are open 24 hours a day. The CM said that the toll free number 1077 can be contacted.