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Thiruvananthapuram: After the scorching summer season, rainy days are back in Kerala as the India Meteorological Department predicted extremely heavy rain across the state till May 22. As per the forecast, the state will continue to witness heavy rain under the influence of strong westerly or South westerly winds and cyclonic circulation over Tamil Nadu.
A red alert is sounded for Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Idukki and Kottayam districts for Sunday, Monday and Tuesday. Earlier, Alappuzha district was placed under an orange alert. In the fresh forecast issued at 1 pm on Sunday, IMD sounded a red alert for Alappuzha also along with other three districts.
Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam and Ernakulam districts are placed under orange alert for the next three days. Meanwhile, a yellow alert was issued for all other seven districts.
A red alert indicates heavy to extremely heavy rainfall of over 20 cm in 24 hours, while an orange alert means very heavy rain (6 cm to 20 cm). A yellow alert means heavy rainfall between 6 and 11 cm.
“Thunderstorm with lightning accompanied by gusty winds, with speed reaching up to 30-40 kmph, is likely to occur at one or two places in Kerala on May 19 to 22,” the IMD alert said.
Meanwhile, southwest Monsoon is very likely to advance into the South Andaman Sea, some parts of Southeast Bay of Bengal and Nicobar Islands during the next 36 hours, alerted IMD on Sunday. This year, the southwest monsoon is likely to set in over Kerala on 31 May with a model error of four days.
In Thiruvananthapuram, houses and shops in low-lying areas were inundated in the heavy rain on Sunday morning. Waterlogging was reported on roads in Attakulangara, Mukkolakkal and Chalai areas.
The fishing folk have been warned not to venture into the sea till further notice in view of strong winds and rough sea conditions. The Indian National Center for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS) has predicted chances for high tidal waves on Kerala and South Tamil Nadu coasts today. According to the agency, waves measuring from 0.4 metre to 1.2 metres are likely to occur on the Kerala coast triggering sea incursion till 11.30 pm.
Red alert
May 19: Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Idukki
May 20: Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Idukki
May 21 : Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Idukki
Orange alert
May 19: Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Ernakulam
May 20: Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Ernakulam
May 21:Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Ernakulam
May 22: Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Idukki, Ernakulam, Thrissur, Palakkad, Malappuram
May 23: Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Idukki, Ernakulam
Though an orange alert is sounded in these districts, some places are likely to receive extremely heavy rain similar to a red alert, predicted the weatherman.
Yellow alert
May 19: Thrissur, Palakkad, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur, Kasaragod
May 20: Thrissur, Palakkad, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur, Kasaragod
May 21: Thrissur, Palakkad, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur, Kasaragod
May 22: Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur, Kasaragod
May 23: Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Thrissur, Palakkad, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur, Kasaragod
Following the IMD forecast, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said that heavy rains are expected to continue in the state for the next five days which could lead to flash floods, waterlogging, landslides and mudslides. The CM, in a Facebook post, said that those living in hilly and low-lying areas should be ready to move to safer places or rehabilitation camps.
He also directed that trees should be trimmed and posts, boards, etc in public and private places should be secured if they pose a danger. He also advised against entering rivers or other bodies of water for bathing, fishing or any other purpose during the rains and to avoid travelling to hilly areas at night. The CM further said that the risk of road accidents is higher during rains and advised people to be careful.
(With PTI inputs)
