Thiruvananthapuram, Oct 17 (PTI) The IMD issued an orange alert in five districts of Keralam on Saturday, warning of isolated very heavy rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms.
Thiruvananthapuram, Malappuram,
Kozhikode, Wayanad and Kannur districts are under the orange alert, while a yellow alert has been sounded for the remaining nine districts, according to the latest update of the India Meteorological Department (IMD).
The yellow alert covers Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Idukki, Ernakulam, Thrissur, Palakkad and Kasaragod districts, where isolated heavy rainfall is likely.
The IMD defines very heavy rainfall as precipitation between 115.6 mm and 204.4 mm in 24 hours, while heavy rainfall refers to 64.5 mm to 115.5 mm during the same period.
In the wake of heavy rains alert, the Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA) has urged people living in landslide-prone areas and locations vulnerable to flash floods to move to safer places in accordance with the instructions of authorities.
Residents living along riverbanks and in areas downstream of dams have also been advised to take precautionary measures and relocate if directed by officials.
The authority asked people in vulnerable areas to identify relief camps and move to them during daylight, in coordination with local self-government and revenue officials.
It also cautioned people against crossing rivers, entering water bodies for bathing or fishing, and undertaking non-essential travel during heavy rainfall.
Tourist trips to waterfalls, water bodies and hilly areas should be avoided until the rain alerts are withdrawn, it said, adding that people should exercise caution while travelling along roads near water bodies and avoid driving through flooded stretches.
The KSDMA also warned of possible accidents due to trees, electric poles, signboards and walls collapsing amid strong winds.
District and taluk-level control rooms are operational round the clock. People can contact the toll-free numbers 1077 and 1070 for assistance, the authority said.
The alerts may be revised depending on changes in the IMD forecast, it added. PTI LGK ROH
