THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Widespread rain is possible in central and north Kerala. Heavy rain is expected to continue in northern districts. IMD has declared an orange alert in four districts. Orange alert has been announced in Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur and Kasaragod and a yellow alert has been announced in Idukki, Ernakulam, Thrissur, Palakkad and Malappuram districts.

24-07-2023: Idukki, Ernakulam, Thrissur, Palakkad, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur, Kasaragod

25-07-2023: Idukki, Ernakulam, Thrissur, Palakkad, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur, Kasaragod

26-07-2023: Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur, Kasaragod

27-07-2023: Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur, Kasaragod

IMD has announced yellow alert in the mentioned districts and dates. A chance of isolated heavy rain is forecast. Heavy rains have been widespread in the last few days and there is a possibility of landslides, mudflow, inundation and water logging in low-lying areas and cities. The Meteorological Department said that the public and government systems should be extremely cautious.

Special instructions to the general public

Those who are in areas prone to mudflow, landslides and inundation in hilly areas receiving heavy rains should move to safer places. People should be prepared to move during the day itself. Due to the possibility of strong winds, people living in unsealed houses and those living in houses with weak roofs should be especially careful. Those who see danger should contact the authorities and evacuate to safe places as a safety precaution.

Trees/posts/boards, walls etc. standing in danger in private and public spaces should be secured and trees should be trimmed. Dangerous conditions should be brought to the attention of the authorities. People living in danger zones should be cautious as there is a possibility of severe storm surges along various coasts. One should move at the necessary stage. Fishing equipment should be secured.

In the event of heavy rains, under no circumstances should one cross rivers, enter rivers or other bodies of water for bathing, fishing, or other purposes. Relief camps should be set up in advance in case of continued heavy rains in the districts declared under red and orange alert. People should take information from the relevant revenue and local authority about the building found for the relief camp in their locality in advance and understand the safe route there.

Those in disaster-prone areas should have an emergency kit ready immediately. Instructions for preparing the kit can be found at https://sdma.kerala.gov.in/.../2020/07/Emergency-Kit.pdf.