Thiruvananthapuram: After battering Kerala for nearly four days, heavy rain accompanied by gusty winds began to recede on Monday. The India Meteorological Department has predicted that the state is likely to receive heavy rainfall till July 30 under the influence of a low-pressure area over the Bay of Bengal. The department revised its rain forecast for the state on Monday noon. Currently, Kannur and Kasaragod districts are placed under yellow alert till July 30. No alert is issued for the other 12 districts of the state. 

The state was on high alert since Thursday as incessant rains and strong winds wreaked havoc in numerous places, especially hilly regions. Overflowing rivers and sea incursions left numerous houses flooded on Sunday. Traffic was disrupted in places including National Highway in Munnar following a mudslide. 

Revenue Minister K Rajan said that the intensity of rains is expected to reduce from Sunday onwards.

"The strong winds might persist for a couple more days," he added.

The rains and strong winds in the south Kerala district damaged more than 100 houses, leading to several families being moved to relief camps. Around eight people were killed in rain-related accidents in the last two days. 

Strong wind to continue
Squall line winds with speed reaching up to 80 kmph led to widespread damages across Kerala as trees were uprooted, damaging infrastructures, vehicles and snapping powerlines. As the IMD alerted that strong winds with speeds reaching up to 40-50 kmph will continue in the state, the Kerala State Disaster Management Authority has issued a public advisory asking the people to stay vigilant.

The safety guidelines are as follows: 

• Avoid Trees & weak structures: Do not stand under trees or park vehicles beneath them during wind and rain. Trim dangerous branches around your home.
• Secure loose items: Tie down or remove objects like signboards, poles, or sheets that could fall or fly away.
• Stay Indoors: Close doors and windows during strong winds. Stay away from them and avoid rooftops.
• Relocate If Needed: If staying in weak or temporary structures (like tiled or sheet-roof houses), shift to safer buildings as advised by authorities.
• Report hazards: Inform local authorities if you notice dangerous trees or damaged electric poles.
• Electric safety: Stay away from fallen power lines. Report to KSEB (1912) or the District Disaster Control Room (1077). Don’t attempt repairs yourself.
• Early morning workers: Delivery workers and others should be cautious. Check for waterlogged areas with possible fallen wires before proceeding.
• Farm safety: Ensure electric lines passing through farms are safe before entering fields.
• Construction work: Stop all construction work during strong winds and move to a safe location.

High tidal wave alert 
Houses in the coastal areas of Kozhikode, Ernakulam and Thrissur were submerged on Sunday as sea incursion continued to hit the places following heavy rain. Fishermen are advised not to venture into the sea off Kerala coast till Tuesday as squally weather with wind speed reaching 40-50 kmph gusting to 60 kmph is likely to prevail along and off the coast. 

The Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS) has sounded a high wave alert along the coasts of Kerala on July 27-28. As per the alert, high tidal wave attacks are expected in Kunjathur to Kottakunnu coasts in Kannur and Kasaragod districts on Monday. 

INCOIS has issued a public advisory urging people to exercise extreme caution during tidal wave attacks. Coastal residents are advised to move to safe locations as directed by the local authorities. Beach-based tourism activities are also restricted until INCOIS withdraws the warning.