Relentless heavy rainfall has pounded various regions of Kerala, leading to the inundation of low-lying areas and the creation of traffic bottlenecks on Friday. Consequently, authorities have issued a cautionary alert for the hilly regions and coastal zones across the state.
While there have been no major casualties reported thus far, the continuous downpour, coupled with strong winds since the previous night, has disrupted normal life in numerous locations, resulting in significant waterlogging.
The authorities responded to the rising water levels by raising the shutters of certain dams, including Peppara and Neyyar Dams near the state capital. Additionally, fishermen were advised to avoid venturing into the sea due to adverse weather conditions and rough waters.
In response to the persistent rainfall, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued an 'Orange Alert' for four districts: Thiruvananthapuram, Alappuzha, Kannur, and Kasaragod. The remaining ten districts, namely Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Kottayam, Idukki, Ernakulam, Thrissur, Palakkad, Malappuram, Wayanad, and Kozhikode, were placed under a 'Yellow Alert.' An Orange Alert signifies the expectation of very heavy rainfall (between 11 cm and 20 cm), while a Yellow Alert indicates heavy rainfall ranging from 6 cm to 11 cm.
The Kerala Disaster Management Authority has urged residents to exercise heightened caution, as the ongoing heavy rains could lead to potential hazards such as landslides and flash floods in mountainous areas. They have recommended the relocation of individuals residing in disaster-prone mountainous regions to safer locations and advised against nighttime travel through hilly terrain.
In light of the rough seas, the agency has also cautioned coastal residents to take precautions to safeguard their livelihood equipment, including fishing nets and boats.
Responding to the Orange Alert in Thiruvananthapuram, District Collector Geromic George has issued a statement banning mining and quarrying activities and tourism in both coastal and hilly areas.
Health Minister Veena George has issued a warning to the public about the potential spread of contagious diseases due to the continuous rainfall. Hospitals have been placed on alert, and the availability of essential medicines has been ensured. To address the challenges in low-lying areas, three mobile floating dispensaries and a water ambulance have been deployed in Kuttanad, a region of Alappuzha district known for its severe waterlogging issues.
