Thiruvananthapuram, Oct 21 Several parts of Keralam received rain accompanied by thunder and lightning on Wednesday, with the IMD issuing an orange alert in five districts and a yellow alert in five others.
Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha and Kottayam are under orange alert, indicating the likelihood of very heavy rainfall at isolated places, the India Meteorological Department said in its latest update.
Idukki, Ernakulam, Thrissur, Palakkad and Malappuram are under yellow alert for isolated heavy rainfall of 64.5 mm to 115.5 mm in 24 hours, it said.
According to the IMD’s latest bulletin, Keralam is likely to receive heavy to extremely heavy rainfall at isolated places between October 21 and 27.
The IMD said a low-pressure area formed over the southwest Bay of Bengal and adjoining Tamil Nadu coast on Wednesday under the influence of a cyclonic circulation over the region.
The associated cyclonic circulation extends up to 5.8 km above mean sea level, it said.
The trough extending from the low-pressure area over the southwest Bay of Bengal and adjoining Tamil Nadu coast to the north Andhra Pradesh coast, at an altitude of 3.1 km above mean sea level, has weakened, according to the bulletin.
The IMD forecast heavy to extremely heavy rainfall at isolated places in Keralam on October 21, 22, 24 and 25, and heavy rainfall on October 23, 26 and 27.
The IMD classifies heavy rainfall as 7 cm to 11 cm in 24 hours and extremely heavy rainfall as 12 cm to 20 cm during the same period.
The Keralam State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA) said precautionary sirens would sound on Wednesday evening in the five districts under orange alert.
The IMD has advised against fishing along the Keralam and Lakshadweep coasts from October 21 to 25 in view of the prevailing weather conditions.
The KSDMA urged people living in landslide-, mudslide- and flash flood-prone areas to move to safer locations as directed by the authorities. Those living along riverbanks and downstream of dams were advised to relocate if instructed to do so.
Residents of disaster-prone areas were asked to check the availability of relief camps and move to them during daylight hours in coordination with local self-government and revenue authorities.
The KSDMA advised people not to cross rivers or enter water bodies for bathing, fishing or other activities during heavy rain. It also cautioned against gathering on bridges over water bodies to take photographs or selfies.
People were advised to avoid unnecessary travel during intense rainfall and postpone trips to waterfalls, other water bodies and hilly areas until the warnings were withdrawn.
Motorists were urged to exercise caution on roads near water bodies and on stretches under repair. They were advised not to drive through flooded areas or cross overflowing waterways.
Taluk and district-level control rooms are functioning round the clock across the state, the KSDMA said. People can call the toll-free numbers 1077 and 1070 for assistance or to report potential dangers.
An orange alert indicates very heavy rainfall of 11.56 cm to 20.44 cm in 24 hours, while a yellow alert indicates heavy rainfall of 6.45 cm to 11.55 cm during the same period.
(PTI News)
