THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has informed that there is a possibility of heavy rains in Kerala. A red alert has been sounded in Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad and Kannur districts tomorrow. The possibility of extremely heavy rainfall has been predicted at isolated places. Extremely heavy rainfall means that there will be more than 204.4 mm of rainfall in 24 hours. IMD issued an updated rain warning at 5.30 pm.
An orange alert has been sounded in Pathanamthitta, Kottayam, Ernakulam, Idukki and Thrissur districts today and in Ernakulam, Idukki, Thrissur, Palakkad and Kasaragod districts tomorrow. Heavy to very heavy rainfall is predicted at isolated places. Very heavy rainfall means that there will be 115.6 mm to 204.4 mm rainfall in 24 hours.
Extreme rainfall can cause accidents. It is expected that there will be heavy rainfall in a short period of time. It may cause torrents and flash floods. There is also a possibility of waterlogging in urban areas and in low-lying areas in general. The situation where the rains continue may lead to landslides and mudslides. IMD has said that the public and government agencies should stay on high alert.
Special instructions for the public
People living in hilly areas receiving heavy rainfall prone to landslides, mudslides and heavy torrents should move to a safer place. People should be ready to move out during the day itself.
Those living in low-lying areas where there is regular waterlogging should assess the situation and shift to ready-made camps.
As there is a possibility of strong winds, those living in houses that are not closed and in houses where the roof is not strong should exercise special caution. Those who are expecting a dangerous situation should contact the authorities and move to safer places as part of the safety precautions.
Trees/posts/boards, walls etc., which are in dangerous condition in private and public places, should be secured and the trees should be trimmed down. Hazards should be brought to the notice of the authorities.
Those living in danger zones should be vigilant as there is a possibility of strong sea attacks along various coasts. You have to move away when necessary. The fishing gear should be kept safe.
In the event of heavy rains, one should not cross rivers, bathe in rivers or enter other water bodies for bathing, fishing or other purposes.
Avoid non-essential travel as much as possible during the heavy rains. Excursions to waterfalls, water bodies and hilly areas should be avoided until the rain warning changes.
Be extra careful while travelling along the roads adjacent to the water bodies. Be careful on roads where maintenance work is going on. The possibility of an increase in road accidents should be seen in the event of heavy rains.
Relief camps should be set up in advance in the wake of heavy rains continuing in the districts where red and orange alerts have been declared. The residents should update themselves in advance about the location of the building identified for the relief camp in their area from the concerned revenue and local body authorities and learn a safe route to reach there.
Those in disaster-prone areas should immediately keep an emergency kit ready. Instructions for the preparation of the kit can be obtained at the link https://sdma.kerala.gov.in/.../2020/07/Emergency-Kit.pdf.
