New Delhi: The India Meteorological Department on Friday issued weather warnings for several districts in Kerala, forecasting heavy to very heavy rainfall over the next five days. Authorities asked residents to remain alert as multiple districts came under orange and yellow alerts due to the possibility of intense rain.
Orange and yellow alerts issued
The IMD issued an orange alert for Idukki and Malappuram districts on May 15. An orange alert means very heavy rainfall between 115.6 mm and 204.4 mm.
A yellow alert was issued for Kottayam, Ernakulam, Thrissur, Palakkad, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur and Kasaragod on May 15. For May 16, yellow alerts were announced for Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Idukki and Ernakulam.
On May 17, yellow alerts will remain in place for Alappuzha, Kottayam, Ernakulam, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur and Kasaragod districts. A yellow alert indicates heavy rainfall between 64.5 mm and 115.5 mm.
Authorities issue safety advisory
The Kerala State Disaster Management Authority released safety guidelines for residents in vulnerable areas. People living in landslide-prone, flood-prone and soil erosion-prone regions were asked to shift to safer places or relief camps if instructed by authorities.
Residents were also advised not to cross rivers or enter water bodies during heavy rain. Authorities warned people against standing on bridges to watch rising water levels or taking selfies near dangerous locations. Officials advised the public to avoid unnecessary travel, especially to hilly areas, waterfalls and coastal regions until weather conditions improve.
The KSDMA also warned about strong winds and asked people living in weak houses to take extra precautions and relocate if needed. District control rooms are functioning round the clock. Emergency help is available through toll-free numbers 1077 and 1070.
Monsoon may arrive earlier than usual
The IMD said the southwest monsoon is likely to set in over Kerala on May 26. Kerala generally receives the monsoon around June 1 every year before it gradually advances to the rest of the country during the June to September rainy season.
Last year, the monsoon reached Kerala on May 24.“This year, the southwest monsoon is likely to set in over Kerala on 26th May” with a possible variation of four days earlier or later, the IMD said.