Kerala on Alert: IMD warns of more rains in till July 30; yellow alert in 9 districts

Kerala on Yellow Alert: As the state continues to receive heavy rains and strong winds, a yellow alert has been issued in nine districts of Kerala. These districts are Ernakulam, Idukki, Thrissur, Palakkad, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur and Kasaragod.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned that heavy rains are likely to continue till July 30 due to the formation of a low pressure area over the Bay of Bengal.

The IMD warning has predicted strong surface winds with speed of 50-60 kmph over Kerala and Lakshadweep on July 27 and 40-50 kmph between July 28 and 29.

Very heavy rainfall (12-20 cm in 24 hours) is expected at isolated places, while heavy rainfall (7–11 cm) is likely in parts of the state through July 30. High alert has been sounded for hilly and coastal regions.

The incessant rain has caused damage at many places in the state. Trees have been uprooted in many areas, houses have collapsed, vehicles have been damaged and roads have been affected. Power has been cut off at many places and traffic has been disrupted.

Landslides were reported from several high altitude areas including Makkimala and Arala.

Speaking to the media, State Revenue Minister K. Rajan said rainfall is expected to reduce from Monday as the low pressure area has weakened. He confirmed that 163 houses were completely destroyed in the recent rains and assured that all the affected families would be provided compensation.

With rivers overflowing, many dams, including Sholayar and Kakkayam, have been opened. An orange alert has been issued for major rivers such as Manimala and Pampa in Pathanamthitta, Vamanapuram in Thiruvananthapuram, Pallikkal in Kollam, Achankovil in Alappuzha, Thodupuzha in Idukki, Chalakudy in Thrissur, Valapattanam in Kannur, and the Kabani in Wayanad.

Residents living near the river banks have been urged to remain alert and move to safer places if necessary.

Many houses have been flooded due to incessant rains in Ernakulam and Alappuzha districts. Two relief camps have been opened in Ernakulam for people displaced by the floods.

With the inputs of IANS