The southwestern monsoon that got weakened last week may bring more rains in Kerala from Thursday onwards. Meanwhile, many places in all the districts are likely to get good rainfall in the next two days. As the monsoon winds may strengthen on the Kerala coast (as well as a cyclone in the western Pacific Ocean) after June 20, heavy rainfall is expected in many regions. Weather experts predict that northern and central Kerala are likely to get heavy rainfall in the coming days.
Meanwhile, the Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS) warns that there is a chance for coastal flooding due to swell surge waves on the Kerala coast from 10 pm on Tuesday (June 18) until 7 pm on Wednesday (June 19). However, this phenomenon may continue until 11.30 pm on Wednesday on the Tamil Nadu coast. The research institute urges the fishermen and coastal dwellers in these regions to stay alert. Here's what tourists, who will be in Kerala from June 20 onwards, should know.
1) Avoid visiting the beach or swimming in the seas when there is an alert. Swell waves can erode coastal areas and there would be potential risks involved. Also, avoid areas with cliff edges and rocks. The swell waves can result in unexpected surges of water along the beaches.
2) Remain indoors and plan your holiday activities accordingly. While there is no harm in venturing out if the conditions are favourable, have a backup plan ready for rainy days. Your tour operator or hotelier should be able to help you with planning rainy-day activities. It can range from trying out the indoor activities in your hotel to enjoying spa or wellness sessions, learning cooking taking art classes or exploring local cuisines.
3) If you have unavoidable travel plans, check the conditions of the roads and be aware of traffic updates. Roads can become impassable at times due to flooding, debris or landslips. Take the help of a local driver who knows alternate routes and roads for your travel.
4) Make sure your devices, especially mobile phones, have enough charge. Share your itinerary with your emergency contacts. Also, have the numbers of ambulance, police, hotel and tourist helplines saved on your phones.
5) Make sure that your accommodation facility is safe, especially if you are staying in flood-prone or low-lying regions. If there are any evacuation orders, comply with them and cooperate with local authorities and people. Also, report any hazard-like situations to authorities without any delay.
