IMD issues red alert for 5 Kerala districts amid heavy rainfall forecast

Thiruvananthapuram: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a red alert on Sunday for Kasaragod, Kannur, Wayanad, Kozhikode, and Malappuram, warning of heavy to very heavy rainfall. The rest of Kerala remains under an orange alert.

Rainfall in these districts is expected to range between 7 cm and 20 cm over the next 24 hours. In response, a control room has been set up in Meppadi, Wayanad, to coordinate emergency measures and closely monitor the situation.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has escalated concerns by issuing a red alert for 11 districts in Kerala on Monday. These include Kasaragod, Kannur, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Malappuram, Palakkad, Thrissur, Ernakulam, Kottayam, Idukki, and Pathanamthitta, warning of very heavy to extremely heavy rainfall. Residents are urged to remain vigilant and follow official advisories.

Meanwhile, the National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS) has cautioned about high waves and potential sea erosion along the Kerala coast. Wave heights are expected to reach between 3.1 and 4.2 metres until 8 p.m. on Monday, raising concerns over possible sea intrusion and erosion.

High waves between 3.0 and 3.6 metres are expected along the coastal stretch from Neerodi to Arokiapuram in Tamil Nadu’s Kanyakumari district until 8:30 p.m. on Monday, heightening the risk of sea erosion. Authorities have urged fishermen and coastal residents in both states to exercise caution, avoid venturing into the sea, and stay informed through official weather bulletins.

During the 2024 monsoon, Wayanad experienced devastating landslides, claiming at least 250 lives after relentless rainfall. In response, the state disaster management agency has taken extensive precautions, with SDRF teams already on standby for any emergency situations.

(inputs from IANS)