Low-pressure area forms over Bay of Bengal; IMD issues yellow alert in 4 Kerala districts

Thiruvananthapuram: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Thursday issued a yellow alert for Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur, and Kasaragod, forecasting isolated heavy rainfall of 6.5–11.5 cm. In the past week, Kannur, Ernakulam, Kasaragod, Kozhikode, Thrissur, and Wayanad recorded excess rainfall, while Idukki, Kottayam, Thiruvananthapuram, and Malappuram received normal showers.

Meanwhile, a well-marked low-pressure area has formed over the northwest Bay of Bengal and was centred off the north Odisha coast on Wednesday morning. The system, with a cyclonic circulation extending up to 7.6 km, is likely to move west-northwest across north Odisha, Jharkhand, and north Chhattisgarh in the next 24 hours.

Probable Impacts of Heavy Rainfall

• Poor visibility during intense spells may cause traffic congestion.
• Waterlogging, tree uprooting, and broken branches could disrupt traffic and increase travel time.
• Uprooted trees may damage electricity lines and power supply.
• Kutcha houses and huts risk partial damage due to falling trees.
• Standing crops and vegetables at maturity stage may suffer losses.
• Possibility of mudslides or landslips in vulnerable areas.
• Lightning may injure people and cattle in open spaces.

Suggested Precautions

• Follow official traffic and weather advisories.
• Avoid staying in weak or vulnerable structures.
• Support vegetable pandals to prevent damage.
• Take shelter immediately during thunderstorms or lightning.
• Stay updated with alerts from IMD and local authorities.