Heavy Rain Batters Kerala; IMD Issues Orange Alert For Nine Districts, Low-Lying Areas Flooded

Heavy rainfall in Kerala caused rising river and dam levels, triggering waterlogging. The IMD issued an 'orange alert' for nine districts and a 'yellow alert' for the rest. Dam shutters opened in Palakkad, and 'danger alerts' were issued for two rivers. Fishing is cautioned due to rough weather.

Waterlogged streets and rising rivers disrupt life in Kerala as IMD issues orange alert across 9 districts.

Source : PTI Images

Thiruvananthapuram, Jul 20 (PTI) Incessant rainfall across several parts of Kerala on Sunday led to rising water levels in rivers and dams, causing waterlogging in low-lying areas and prompting the IMD to issue an 'orange alert' for nine districts in the state.

The 'orange alert' was issued for Ernakulam, Idukki, Thrissur, Palakkad, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur, and Kasaragod.

A 'yellow alert' was issued for the remaining five districts.

An 'orange alert' indicates "very heavy rainfall" between 11 cm and 20 cm, while a 'yellow alert' denotes "heavy rainfall" between 6 cm and 11 cm.

The IMD also forecast moderate rainfall across the state, with strong surface winds occasionally gusting up to 40 kmph in one or two places.

In Palakkad, rising water levels in several dams prompted authorities to open shutters to release excess water.

According to the district administration, the affected dams include Malampuzha, Mangalam, Siruvani, Meenkara, and Pothundi.

Meanwhile, the Irrigation Design and Research Board (IDRB) issued 'danger alerts' for the Manimala and Mogral rivers in Pathanamthitta and Kasaragod districts, respectively, as water levels rose significantly.

Residents living along the riverbanks were advised to stay alert and be prepared to move to safer locations as instructed by the authorities.

Additionally, the IMD cautioned against fishing along the Kerala-Karnataka coast till July 23 due to expected rough weather and strong winds ranging between 40 and 60 kmph.

It also forecast winds between 40 and 50 kmph at isolated places across Kerala till July 24 and advised the public to remain cautious.

Fisherfolk and coastal residents were advised to remain vigilant.

(This report has been published as part of the auto-generated syndicate wire feed. Apart from the headline, no editing has been done in the copy by ABP Live.)