Orange alert in five districts as heavy rain forecast

THE India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert for five districts in Keralam, warning of very heavy rainfall at isolated places as rain and thunderstorms are expected to continue across the state over the next few days.

Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha and Kottayam are under orange alert on Wednesday, October 21. The IMD has also forecast heavy to very heavy rainfall in parts of the state in the coming days. 

The weather department has attributed the prevailing conditions partly to a low-pressure area that developed over the southwest Bay of Bengal and adjoining Tamil Nadu coast.

According to the forecast, orange alerts have been issued for Ernakulam, Thrissur, Malappuram and Kozhikode districts for Thursday, October 22.

Kozhikode, Kannur and Kasaragod are likely to be under orange alert on October 24, while several other districts face rain warnings on subsequent days. 

Heavy rainfall may trigger waterlogging, traffic disruptions, falling trees and landslides, particularly in vulnerable hilly areas. Thunderstorms and lightning are also likely in parts of the state.

Authorities have urged residents in landslide-prone areas and locations vulnerable to flash floods to remain vigilant and follow instructions issued by disaster management officials.

Fishermen have also been advised to exercise caution amid rough sea conditions, with restrictions on venturing into the sea announced for the affected coastal areas.

Residents are advised to follow official weather bulletins and avoid unnecessary travel through flood-prone areas and vulnerable hilly roads during periods of intense rainfall.