THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted a possibility of extremely heavy rainfall in the state today (Thursday) and tomorrow (Friday).
Red alert has been sounded in Pathanamthitta, Idukki, Kannur and Kasaragod today and orange alert in other districts. In wake of continuous very heavy rainfall, a holiday has been declared for educational institutions in Kasaragod, Kannur, Wayanad, Ernakulam, Idukki and Pathanamthitta today.
The IMD also stated that westerly winds are likely to strengthen over Kerala in the coming days. The low-pressure area located over the northwest Bay of Bengal is likely to strengthen into an extreme low-pressure area within hours. The warning also states that extreme caution is required in view of the possibility of landslides, mudslides and floods in areas receiving continuous rain.
Fishing is prohibited off the coasts of Kerala and Lakshadweep. The National Centre for Oceanographic Studies and Research (INCOIS) has informed that as part of the black sea phenomenon, there is a possibility of sea erosion due to waves up to 1.2 to 1.3 meters high in the coastal areas of Malappuram (from Kadalundi city to Palapetty), Kozhikode (from Chombala to Ramanattukara), Kannur (from Valapattanam to New Mahi), and Kasaragod (from Kunjathur to Kottakunnu) till 5:30 pm tomorrow. The warning also states that there is a possibility of waves up to 3.2 to 3.7 meters high and sea erosion along the Kerala coast till 8:30 pm tomorrow.