Heavy rain likely in Kerala for next 5 days; red alert in 2 districts, 223 people in relief camps

Thiruvananthapuram: The India Meteorological Department has predicted that heavy rain will continue to lash Kerala for the next five days under the influence of a low-pressure area over southeast Arabian Sea off the Kerala coast. The state government alerted the public to exercise extreme caution in view of the possibility of accidents and natural calamities like landslide, mudslide and flood. 

Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan advised people of the state to remain cautious. "Intense rainfall expected within a short period of time may lead to flash floods. Urban and low-lying areas are particularly vulnerable to waterlogging. Prolonged rainfall can also trigger landslides. People should exercise caution during such weather events," he said in a Facebook post. As per the Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA), seven rain related deaths were reported in the state from May 19 to 23.

Relief camps opened
Currently, there are 223 people accommodated in eight relief camps functioning across the state. A total of 154 houses were partially damaged while three houses were fully damaged during the said period, KSDMA said. The relief camps were opened in Kozhikode, Malappuram, Ernakulam and Thiruvananthapuram districts in view of the heavy rains. 

In Ernakulam, nine families from Kakkanad's Keerelimala were shifted to a relief camp opened at Mar Athanasius High School as fearing chances of mudslide. 

The state has been receiving widespread rainfall from Tuesday. Traffic is interrupted in many places in Alappuzha, Kozhikode, and Ernakulam due to severe waterlogging. As per the latest IMD forecast, all districts across the state will receive light to moderate rainfall by 10 pm on Thursday.

Sea incursion likely to hit Kerala coast
Fishermen are restricted from venturing into the sea in view of the adverse weather conditions. Meanwhile, the Indian National Center for Ocean Information Services has sounded warning for high tidal waves and sea incursion on the Kerala coast stretching from Vizhinjam to Kasaragod on Friday till 11.30 pm.

Red alert in 2 districts, Orange alert in 8
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a red alert in Thrissur and Ernakulam districts. An orange alert was issued in 8 districts- Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Idukki, Palakkad, Malappuram, Kozhikode and Wayanad. A yellow alert was issued in the remaining four districts. A red alert indicates heavy to extremely heavy rain of over 20 cm in 24 hours, while an orange alert means very heavy rain of 11 cm to 20 cm, and a yellow alert means heavy rainfall between 6 cm and 11 cm. 

The KSDMA has warned the fishermen against venturing into sea until further warning. High waves in the range of 0.4 to 3.3 metres and sea incursions are forecast along the coast of Kerala from Vizhinjam in the south to Kasaragod in the north until Thursday night, authorities said. 

As per the latest reports, Vimod Kumar (40), who went missing while fishing in a stream, was found dead in Neendoor of Kottayam on Thursday. Four other deaths were reported from across the state in various rain-related incidents on Wednesday, the Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA) said. 

Kochi, Thrissur, Kozhikode flooded
Parts of the Cochin city corporation in the Ernakulam district were inundated after heavy rainfall on Wednesday evening. Houses and major roads in parts of Kochi were flooded in the sudden rains. Several parts of Kochi city, including tech hub Infopark and its premises at Kakkanad saw heavy waterlogging on Thursday. Two-wheelers parked along the roads and at least 20 houses in Kalamassery and suburbs were inundated. Waterlogging was reported in Vytilla, MG Road, Kadavanthra, South Chittur and KSRTC bus stand.

Low-lying areas of Thrissur city were also inundated. The ground floor of Aswini hospital was flooded due to the incessant rains. The casualty had to be shifted upstairs as the water was knee-deep. According to reports, clogging of drains led to the floods. Premises of Guruvayoor temple were also inundated.

Flood waters also entered the Kozhikode Medical College Hospital on Thursday. Water entered the Out Patient area in the Institute Of Maternal & Child Health at the Kozhikode MCH. Mavoor region of Kozhikode saw financial loss in the agriculture sector while minor landslides were reported from Malappuram and Kasaragod districts. 

 The Thuravoor area in the National Highway at Alappuzha was blocked for over three hours today. Parts of Kuttanad region in Alappuzha were also inundated.

According to sources, flights from Kozhikode International airport were delayed owing to heavy rains. Earlier in the day, four shutters of the Malankara dam in Idukki district were raised and the authorities asked people living along the banks of Thodupuzha and Moovattupuzha rivers to remain vigilant. 

Control room opened
A state control room has been opened in the Health Department Directorate here as part of efforts to strengthen epidemic prevention activities, Health Minister Veena George said. The control room has been launched with the objective of coordinating various activities under the Health Department and clearing the doubts of health workers and the general public, the minister said in a statement.

(With PTI inputs.)