THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: IMD has forecast the probability of rain for the next five days. Orange and yellow alerts have also been announced in various districts.
Orange Alert
24-07-2023: Central Meteorological Department has announced an orange alert in Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur and Kasaragod districts. The chance of very heavy rain at isolated places is forecast. It is concluded that 115.6 mm to 204.4 mm of rain will be received in 24 hours.
IMD has announced a yellow alert in the above mentioned districts. A chance of isolated heavy rain is forecast. Heavy rain refers to a situation where rainfall falls between 64.5 mm and 115.5 mm in 24 hours.
Heavy rains can create hazards. Heavy rains have been widespread in the last few days and there is a possibility of landslides, mudslides, mountain floods and water logging in low lying areas and cities. Public and government agencies should be very careful.
Special instructions to the general public
Those who are in areas prone to landslides, mudslides and flash floods in hilly areas receiving heavy rainfall should move to a safer place. People should be ready 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 careful as the storm surge is likely to be strong along various coasts. 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 districts under red and orange alert. One should get the information about the building found for the relief camp in their area from the concerned revenue-local authority in advance and know the safe route to reach 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/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Emergency-Kit.pdf.
Sightseeing, taking selfies, or congregating on the overpasses above water bodies is not permitted. Avoid night travel to hilly areas completely. It is also important to be aware of the dangers of trees falling in the wind and posts collapsing. The precautionary measures to be taken during strong winds issued by the State Disaster Management Authority are available from the link https://sdma.kerala.gov.in/windwarning/.
There is a risk of accidents due to broken electricity lines. Therefore, it should be ensured that there is no risk of electric shock before stepping into the puddles in the alleys and footpaths. People who go to work early in the morning, children who go to classes, etc. should pay special attention to this. Inform KSEB on 1056 if you notice any danger of power lines.
Taluk and District Control Rooms are functioning 24*7 hours in all the districts of Kerala. Toll-free numbers 1077 and 1070 can be contacted for assistance in case of danger.
The State Disaster Management Authority's Orange Book 2023 explains how to make preparations and how to understand the alerts in the districts where red, orange and yellow alerts have been declared. It is available at https://sdma.kerala.gov.in/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Orange-Book-of-Disaster-Management-2023-2.pdf.
Alerts may change as IMD changes the warning. Check the Disaster Management Authority's Facebook and Twitter pages as well.
