Heavy Rains Lash Kerala, Orange Alert’ Issued in Five Districts

Thiruvananthapuram: Heavy rains continued to lash several parts of Kerala on Wednesday, causing widespread waterlogging and inundation of roads. More relief camps were opened, and residents of low-lying areas were evacuated, authorities said.

The southern districts of Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha and Kottayam continued to bear the brunt of the rain fury, with incessant showers and overcast skies disrupting normal life.

The elderly, women and children were seen wading through knee-deep water in several inundated areas of these districts.

As floodwaters remained in many low-lying areas and several houses continued to be waterlogged, more residents were shifted to relief camps.

Authorities said additional camps had been opened to accommodate those evacuated as heavy rain persisted.

Several parts of the northern districts, including high-range areas of Kozhikode and Kannur, also received widespread rainfall.

The India Meteorological Department issued an 'orange alert' for five districts in Kerala, warning of very heavy rainfall, while the Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services cautioned about the possibility of high waves and sea incursion along parts of the state's southern coast.

The IMD issued an 'orange alert' for Pathanamthitta, Kottayam, Idukki, Kannur and Kasaragod districts.

On Thursday, the alert will remain in force for Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Idukki, Ernakulam, Kannur and Kasaragod districts.

For Friday, an 'orange alert' has been issued for Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur and Kasaragod districts, the IMD said.

An 'orange alert' indicates the likelihood of very heavy rainfall ranging from 115 mm to 204 mm.

According to the weather agency, isolated places in the state are likely to receive heavy rainfall, while very heavy rainfall is expected at isolated locations on August 6 and 7.

INCOIS issued a warning about the 'kallakkadal' phenomenon, a sudden swell of the sea that can lead to rough waves and coastal flooding.

The warning covers the coastal stretch from Kappil to Pozhiyoor in Thiruvananthapuram district, Alappad to Edava in Kollam district, and Chellanam to Azhikkal Jetty in Alappuzha district.

INCOIS warned of high waves measuring 1.2 metres to 1.6 metres along the Kanyakumari coast until 2.30 pm on Thursday, with the possibility of sea incursion.

Authorities advised fishermen, coastal residents and the public to remain vigilant and avoid venturing into vulnerable coastal areas during the warning period.

In view of the alerts, the Kerala Disaster Management Authority advised fishermen and coastal residents to remain vigilant, avoid beaches and tourism-related activities until the INCOIS warning is withdrawn, and exercise caution against possible coastal erosion.

As rains continued, the KSDMA urged people living in landslide, mudslide and flash flood-prone hilly regions to move to safer locations during daytime.

It also advised residents of flood-prone low-lying areas to shift to relief camps after assessing the local situation.

People were advised against entering rivers and other water bodies for bathing, fishing or any other purpose during the heavy rains.

The authority urged the public to avoid non-essential travel during intense rainfall and refrain from visiting waterfalls, reservoirs and hilly tourist destinations until the weather warning is withdrawn.

It advised motorists to exercise caution while travelling along roads near water bodies and stretches undergoing repair work, citing the increased risk of accidents during heavy rain.

People were advised against gathering on bridges over rivers or water bodies for sightseeing or taking selfies, while night travel to hilly regions should be avoided.

The authority warned of accidents caused by uprooted trees and damaged electric posts due to strong winds.

Educational institutions in 10 rain-affected districts, including Idukki and Kottayam, remained closed on Wednesday due to the heavy rainfall.