IMD issues orange alert for 6 Kerala districts, fishermen advised caution
Thiruvananthapuram, Aug 6
Kerala is set for another spell of widespread rain from Thursday, with the India Meteorological Department forecasting intensified showers across central and northern parts of the state over the next 48 hours.
Authorities have stepped up precautionary measures as heavy rainfall is likely to continue, while the weather system is also expected to provide much-needed recharge to rivers, reservoirs and groundwater after recent dry spells in several regions.
An orange alert has been issued for seven districts, Kasaragod, Kannur, Ernakulam, Idukki, Kottayam, Alappuzha and Pathanamthitta, while the remaining seven districts are under a yellow alert.
The IMD has warned that northern Kerala could receive extremely heavy rainfall on Friday, with residents in hilly and landslide-prone areas advised to remain vigilant.
As a precaution, educational institutions in Kottayam taluk, Thiruvalla taluk in Pathanamthitta, and Kuttanad, Chengannur and Karthikappally taluks in Alappuzha will remain closed on Thursday.
Schools and colleges functioning as relief camps in Wayanad, Kozhikode, Idukki, Kottayam, Thrissur, Alappuzha and Pathanamthitta have also been given a holiday to facilitate relief operations.
Disaster management authorities said district administrations, emergency response teams and local bodies remain on alert, with continuous monitoring of river levels and vulnerable locations.
People have been advised to avoid unnecessary travel to high-range areas, heed official advisories and cooperate with local authorities.
Meanwhile, the Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS) has issued a 'Kallakkadal' (swell surge) warning for parts of the Kerala coast.
High waves ranging from 1.1 to 1.4 metres are likely along stretches of the Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam and Alappuzha coasts until 11.30 p.m. on Thursday.
Fishermen and coastal residents have been urged to stay away from vulnerable shorelines as a precaution.
With the southwest monsoon remaining active, officials say timely preparedness and public cooperation will be key to ensuring the state safely weathers the latest spell of heavy rain.
— IANS
Reader Comments
My parents live in Alappuzha and they've been through so many floods. The school closures in Kuttanad and Chengannur taluks are definitely needed. Hope the government provides proper relief camps with enough supplies. Also, that Kallakkadal warning is scary - fishermen ko strictly stay away from the shore please!
Classic Kerala monsoon pattern - one week it's drought, next week we're drowning. At least the reservoirs will get a recharge. But the hilly areas in Idukki are a real concern with the red alert. The landslide-prone zones need constant monitoring, not just when the rain gets heavy. 😕
Appreciate the yellow alert for our district too - better safe than sorry. But honestly, the issue is we don't learn from the 2018 floods. Every monsoon, we face the same challenges with drainage and river management. Kelkkunna state, check those encroachments on rivers and vayals please! 🙄
As someone living in Kochi, the Ernakulam orange alert means traffic chaos tomorrow 😅 But on a serious note, glad that schools are closed in flooding-prone areas. Let's hope the rain gods show some mercy this time. Also good they're using schools as relief camps - better utilization of public infrastructure.
Living in the US but watching Kerala closely every monsoon. The early warning system here is genuinely world-class compared to many countries. Hope the state government and local authorities on the ground execute the evacuation plans efficiently. My family in Kottayam is already prepared with emergency kits and docs in one place. Stay
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