Heavy rains continue to batter Kerala, prompting the India Meteorological Department (IMD) to issue an "orange alert" for nine districts. The affected districts include Ernakulam, Idukki, Thrissur, Palakkad, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur, and Kasaragod. The IMD has also issued a "yellow alert" for the remaining five districts of the state: Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, and Kottayam.
The "orange alert" signifies the likelihood of "very heavy rainfall" between 11 cm and 20 cm. A "yellow alert" indicates the possibility of "heavy rainfall" between 6 cm and 11 cm. The IMD has also forecast moderate rainfall, accompanied by strong surface winds that could gust up to 40 kmph, in isolated locations throughout the state.
The persistent rainfall has led to rising water levels in rivers and dams, causing waterlogging in low-lying areas. In Palakkad, authorities have opened dam shutters to release excess water from the Malampuzha, Mangalam, Siruvani, Meenkara, and Pothundi dams. The Irrigation Design and Research Board (IDRB) has issued "danger alerts" for the Manimala and Mogral rivers in Pathanamthitta and Kasaragod districts, respectively, due to the significant rise in water levels. Residents living along the banks of these rivers are advised to remain vigilant and be prepared to evacuate to safer locations if instructed by authorities.
The heavy rainfall is attributed to a depression over northeast Rajasthan and adjoining Uttar Pradesh. Strong westerly winds in the lower troposphere level have also contributed to the intensification of weather activity in Kerala. The weather observatory in Kollam and Chavara recorded the highest rainfall of 80 mm in the 24 hours ending on Saturday morning. Varkala in Thiruvananthapuram, along with Thodupuzha and Udumbannoor in Idukki, followed closely with 70 mm of rainfall each.
The IMD is expected to update its weather forecast for Kerala. Citizens are advised to stay informed about the changing weather conditions and heed the warnings issued by authorities.
