Rain wreaks havoc in Kerala: At least 4 dead, IMD sounds ‘orange’ alert
Torrential rains over the last few days have led at at least four deaths across Kerala, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) sounding an orange alert across Ernakulam, Thrissur, Idukki, Palakkad, Malappuram, Kozhikode and Wayanad districts on Thursday.
With heavy rainfall forecast, the weather department has also issued a yellow alert for Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Alappuzha, Pathanamthitta, Kottayam, Kannur and Kasargod districts.
An ‘orange’ alert is an indication to be prepared and warns of waterlogging and major traffic disruptions.
On Wednesday, the southwest monsoon had advanced into some parts of South Arabian Sea, parts of Maldives, Comorin and south Bay of Bengal, parts of Andaman and Nicobar islands and Andaman sea. The cyclonic circulation hovered over south Kerala and a low pressure area formed over southwest near west-central Bay of Bengal is likely to move north-eastwards and concentrate into a depression over central parts of Bay of Bengal by Friday. It is likely to move towards northeast and northwest Bay of Bengal by Saturday.
As heavy rains pounded the state, areas of Cochin city corporation, houses and major roads in Ernakulam and low-lying areas of Thrissur city were inundated.
As there are chances of landslide, mudslides occurring in the state, emergency operation centers have been opened in all district collectorates and taluk offices. With the rains also posing the threat of an epidemic outbreak, hospitals have been put on alert and supplies stocked for any adversity.
Health Minister Veena George on Monday said the Health Department has issued a warning to all districts about the possible outbreak of epidemics in the wake of continuing heavy rains.
Revenue Minister K Rajan said special directions have been given to alert tourists who arrive in the state about the rain situation. Rajan emphasised the need for strict regulations in hilly areas which are prone to landslides.
After the weather department warned of extremely heavy rain and issued red alert in some districts from May 18 to May 20, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan asked those living in hilly and low-lying areas to move to safer places. Vijayan also directed that trees should be trimmed and posts, boards, etc in public and private places should be secured if they pose a danger.
With PTI inputs
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