Kerala braces for more downpour: Orange alert in 10 districts, statewide rain warning

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast rain across Kerala over the next five days, issuing orange and yellow alerts for various districts.

Today, October 22, an orange alert is in effect in Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad and Kannur. On Friday, October 23, orange alerts have been issued for Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Kottayam, Idukki, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur and Kasaragod.

Orange Alert

October 24: Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Idukki, Ernakulam, Thrissur, Palakkad, Malappuram, Kozhikode and Wayanad.

October 25: Pathanamthitta, Kottayam, Idukki, Ernakulam, Thrissur, Palakkad, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur and Kasaragod.

The IMD has issued orange alerts for these districts, warning of the possibility of very heavy rainfall at isolated places, accompanied by thunderstorms.

Very heavy rainfall refers to rainfall ranging from 115.6 mm to 204.4 mm within 24 hours.

Yellow Alert

October 22: Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Idukki, Ernakulam, Thrissur, Palakkad and Kasaragod.

October 23: Alappuzha, Ernakulam, Thrissur, Palakkad and Malappuram.

October 24: Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Kannur and Kasaragod.

October 25: Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam and Alappuzha.

October 26: Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Idukki, Ernakulam, Thrissur, Palakkad, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur and Kasaragod.

The IMD has warned of the possibility of heavy rainfall at isolated places in these districts, accompanied by thunderstorms. Heavy rainfall is defined as rainfall ranging from 64.5 mm to 115.5 mm within 24 hours.

Public Safety Advisory

The authorities have issued the following safety instructions in view of the rainfall forecast:

• People living in areas prone to landslides, mudslides and flash floods should move to safer locations in accordance with instructions from the authorities.
• Residents living along riverbanks and in areas downstream of dams should assess the risk and relocate if instructed by the authorities.
• People living in disaster-prone areas should confirm whether relief camps have been opened in their localities and move to the camps during daylight hours. They can contact local self-government institutions or revenue officials for assistance.
• People living in poorly secured houses or homes with weak roofs should exercise extra caution as strong winds are possible. Those facing dangerous living conditions should contact the authorities and move to safer locations as a precaution.
• Residents should also be alert to the risk of trees being uprooted and electric poles collapsing due to strong winds. Safety precautions issued by the Kerala State Disaster Management Authority are available at https://sdma.kerala.gov.in/windwarning/.
• During heavy rain, people must not cross rivers or enter rivers and other water bodies for bathing, fishing or any other activity.
• People must not climb onto bridges over water bodies to view the surroundings, take selfies or photographs, or gather in groups.