The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert for four districts in Kerala, predicting heavy rainfall and strong winds over the next five days. The alert, issued on August 17th, covers Pathanamthitta, Kottayam, Idukki, and Ernakulam districts.
The warning comes after intermittent rains lashed several parts of Kerala on Saturday, resulting in rising water levels in various rivers, including the Manimala and Pamba. The IMD’s orange alert indicates very heavy rainfall, ranging from 11 cm to 20 cm.
The Central Water Commission (CWC) has also issued an orange alert for the banks of the Manimala River in Kottayam district, as water levels reached dangerous levels. Authorities have urged residents living on the banks to be vigilant and avoid crossing the river.
In addition to heavy rainfall, authorities have warned of sea incursions along various coasts and advised residents in coastal hamlets to be cautious. Night travel through high ranges has been discouraged, and people have been advised to avoid venturing into rivers during heavy rains.
Earlier on August 15th, the IMD issued a heavy rainfall warning for Wayanad district, where landslides triggered by heavy rain on July 30th tragically claimed the lives of over 230 people. The weather department has predicted heavy rainfall (7 cm to 11 cm in 24 hours) to very heavy rainfall (12 cm to 20 cm in 24 hours) in one or two places in Ernakulam, Thrissur, and Kannur on Wednesday, and in Kozhikode and Wayanad on Thursday.
With the heavy rains expected to continue, authorities are urging residents to be cautious and advising those living in dilapidated houses to relocate to safer locations.
