Thiruvananthapuram: Southwest monsoon intensified in Kerala following the formation of a cyclonic circulation over the Bay of Bengal. The state reported three deaths in rain-related accidents on Sunday.
The India Meterological Department sounded an orange alert in Kozhikode, Kannur, Wayanad and Kasaragod on Monday as heavy rain continued to batter the northern Kerala. As per the IMD forecast, extremely heavy rainfall ranging from 115.6 mm to 204.4 mm is expected in these districts in 24 hours.
Earlier, a yellow alert was sounded in these districts. Eight districts. Pathanamthitta, Idukki, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Ernakulam, Thrissur, Palakkad and Malappuram, are placed under a yellow alert while no warning was issued for Thiruvananthapuram and Kollam.
The state will continue to receive heavy rainfall till July 28 under the influence of a cyclonic circulation over the Bay of Bengal, said the forecast. As per the latest alert issued by the India Meteorological Department, the cyclonic circulation is likely to develop into a low-pressure area within 24 hours.
Two minor boys, Hadhi and Hashir from Wayanad district, lost their lives on Sunday after they suspectedly fell into a water body while on their way to tution class.
In Thrissur, a youth named Ashik drowned in a kole wetland after a country boat capsised.
As the rain intensify, the government has initiated action to handle emergency situations like floods and landslides. The state disaster management authority said a few relief camps have been opened in Idukki, Wayanad and Kasaragod districts and as of now, 38 persons have been housed there.
The authority said there were numerous cases of tree felling across the state and damage to houses and other buildings.
Yellow alert in districts
July 24: Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Idukki, Ernakulam, Thrissur, Palakkad, Malappuram
July 25: Idukki, Ernakulam, Thrissur, Palakkad, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur, Kasaragod
July 26: Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur, Kasaragod
July 27: Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur, Kasaragod
A yellow alert indicates heavy rainfall ranging from 64.5 mm to 115.5 mm in 24 hours.
High tide warning
INCOIS has issued a high tide warning on the Kerala coast stretching from Vizhinjam to Kasaragod. Fishermen have been asked not to venture into the sea till July 27.
KSDMA asks public to stay vigilant
Meanwhile, Kerala Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA) urged the public to exercise caution to avoid rain-related accidents. Those who are residing in places prone to landslides, mudslides and flash floods are requested to move to safe locations. As there are chances for strong winds during the rain, people occupying unsafe homes are also advised to be vigilant.
Those who need help in emergencies can contact the taluk level and district control room of KSDMA. Toll-Free Number: 1077, 1070
