Heavy rain warning in the state, high-level meeting called by Chief Secretary has begun

THRIUVANANTHAPURAM: High level meeting called by Chief Secretary VP Joy, in the wake of the warning of the Meteorological Department about the possibility of heavy rains in the state, has begun. The Chief Secretary called an emergency meeting as per the instructions of Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan to intensify preparations as there is a possibility of heavy rains till Monday. Every department and rescue forces has been involved in the meeting.

Collectors from 8 districts where red and orange alerts have been declared are also attending the meeting.

The Met Office has warned of heavy rains in southern and central Kerala on Saturday. Red alert has been declared in Ernakulam and Idukki districts. Orange alert has been issued in Kottayam, Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha and Kollam districts and yellow alert in Thiruvananthapuram, Thrissur, Malappuram and Kozhikode districts.

The Meteorological Department has issued red, orange and yellow alerts in various districts for the next five days. The State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA) has warned coastal areas to be vigilant as the sea is likely to be rough till May 16. People should be alert as there are high chances of sea tide from 11 am to 2 pm and from 10.30 pm to midnight.

Extreme levels of rainfall during high tide can affect the flow of rainwater into the sea and can cause flood in low-lying areas. Fishing gear should be moved to safe places. Fishermen will not be allowed to go fishing off the coasts of Kerala and Lakshadweep till the end of the fishing ban.