THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: State disaster management authority have issued alerts across the state anticipating heavy rains in the next few days. A red alert has been issued in some districts on 18, 19 and 20 of June as the India Meteorological Department in has forecasted very heavy rains in the state.

IMD has also said that the sea along the Malabar Coast in Kerala is expected to be very rough. Those staying in place where the 2018 floods affected, are advised to keep hold of an emergency kit which contains important documents and valuables. In an event of heavy rains, people should be prepared to move places.

The state disaster management authority has issued red, yellow and orange alerts in various districts of the state. Red alert denotes likelihood of very heavy to extremely heavy rainfall. The chance of landslides and flooding will increase if there is severe rainfall is subsequent days.

The districts where a red alert has been issued are:

Idukki (18, 19 and 20 July)

Malappuram (18, 19 and 20 July)

Wayanad and Kannur (19 July)

Ernakulam and Thrissur (July 20)

Meanwhile, the state disaster authority has issued orange and yellow alerts in all districts. These alerts are issued from July 18 to July 20.

Things to keep in emergency kits:

• Torch
• Radio
• 500 ml of water
• ORS packet
• Necessary medicines
• Anti-septic lotion
• 100 gm. Groundnut
• 100 gm. Dry grapes or dates
• Small knife
• 10 chlorine tablets
• Power bank or battery that can be used in torches
• Battery, a charged mobile phone with a call plan
• Necessary cash, ATM

Last year, the state suffered the worst rain-related tragedy in 100 years. Hundreds were killed and daily life in Kerala remained out of order for nearly a month. Basic supplies were hit and transportation lines badly damaged. Even air services had to be called off as many airports were flooded.

The Army, Navy and Air Force, along with NDRF and state authorities carried out nearly a month-long relief and rescue operation to restore some normalcy in the state.