No respite for Kerala: IMD sounds orange alert in 8 districts as heavy rain batters state
‘Orange alert’ has been sounded for eight districts — Pathanamthitta, Kottayam, Idukki, Palakkad, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad and Kannur.
FollowThe India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued an “orange” alert in several parts of Kerala as Heavy rain lashed several parts of the southern belt, forecasting fairly widespread to widespread rainfall with isolated downpour, thunderstorm and lightning in the region till October 25.
‘Orange alert’ has been sounded for eight districts — Pathanamthitta, Kottayam, Idukki, Palakkad, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad and Kannur.
“Fairly widespread to widespread rainfall with isolated heavy falls with thunderstorm and lightning very likely over Kerala and Mahe and Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Karaikal during 21st-25th and over Coastal and South Interior Karnataka on 21st October,” the weather department said.
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Meanwhile, a yellow alert for heavy rainfall of 7-11cm has been issued in five districts, including Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Ernakulam, Thrissur and Malappuram. The agency has also issued warnings about strong winds in the state till October 24.
"Southwest monsoon has been active over Kerala. Rain occurred at most places in the state and at a few places in Lakshadweep," an IMD statement read.
Fishermen have been advised not to venture into the sea in the state as squally weather with wind speed reaching 40-50 kmph is likely to prevail over Kerala coast on Thursday.
At least 27 people died and several others went missing in Kerala that was ravaged by torrential rain and subsequent landslides in the south-central districts last week on October 15 and 16, according to the state department figures. Of these, 14 deaths were reported in Kottayam district, 10 in Idukki district, and one each in Thiruvananthapuram, Thrissur and Kozhikode districts.
