Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala is likely to receive heavy rainfall in the next days under the influence of a cyclonic circulation over Tamil Nadu. India Meteorological Department on Wednesday predicted that light to moderate rain accompanied by lightning and gusty winds will lash all districts across the state.
The IMD sounded a red alert in Pathanamthitta due to the incessant rain the district has received since Wednesday morning. The district administration has instructed those residing near landslide-prone areas to be extra cautious. Over the past few hours, several areas of Pathanamthitta have received over 200 mm of rainfall.
Pathanamthitta District Collector A Shibu passed an order banning travel to hilly areas between 7 pm and 6 am. Water activities like kayaking and boating have been prohibited till November 24. This ban does not apply to Sabarimala pilgrims. However, the collector has informed those travelling to the hill shrine to put safety first and take extra precautions while travelling to and from the temple, especially at night.
When an area receives rainfall between 115.6mm and 204.4mm in 24 hours, the weather office categorises it as 'very heavy'. Meanwhile, the IMD changed its yellow alert in Thiruvananthapuram and Idukki to orange after rain in the southern districts intensified over the day.
Districts under yellow alert
November 22: Kollam, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Ernakulam, Thrissur, Palakkad, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad
November 23: Thiruvananthapuram, Pathanamthitta, Ernakulam, Idukki, Wayanad
November 24: Ernakulam
A yellow alert indicates rainfall ranging from 64.5 mm to 115.5 mm within 24 hours.
The Kerala State Disaster Management Authority has asked the public to exercise extreme caution to avoid untoward incidents. Coastal residents have been asked to shift to safe locations as directed by the officials.
In case of heavy rain, under no circumstance should people cross, fish or bathe in rivers or any water bodies. People are not allowed to congregate on overpasses above water bodies. Residents living near dams should take precautions and even evacuate the area as instructed by the authorities concerned, should the need arise. The department has also warned against travelling in the night to hilly areas.
