IMD Issues Orange Alert In 4 Kerala Districts For Next 2 Days Amid Heavy Rainfall

Kerala is expected to experience widespread rainfall with thunderstorms and gusty winds over the next five days due to cyclonic circulations over north Gujarat and the west-central Bay of Bengal.

Heavy rains battered several parts of Kerala prompting the India Meteorological Department (IMD) to issue an orange alert for three northern districts of the state on Saturday. The IMD announced an orange alert for Kozhikode, Kannur, and Kasaragod, alongside a yellow alert for nine other districts. 

Thunderstorms with moderate rainfall and gusty winds are also expected in Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Idukki, and Ernakulam.

From June 14 to June 16, the IMD has forecast an orange alert for Malappuram, Kozhikode, Kannur, and Kasaragod. An orange alert signifies very heavy rainfall ranging from 11 cm to 20 cm, while a yellow alert indicates heavy rainfall between 6 cm and 11 cm.

According to the IMD, Kerala is expected to experience widespread rainfall with thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds over the next five days due to cyclonic circulations over north Gujarat and the west-central Bay of Bengal. The IMD said: "A cyclonic circulation lies over West central Bay of Bengal off Coastal Andhra Pradesh at 5.8 km above mean sea level. Strong Westerly/ North Westerly winds likely to continue in the lower levels over Kerala and Lakshadweep region during the next 5 days."

"Under its influence, widespread rainfall activity with Heavy to Very Heavy rainfall is very likely to occur at isolated places in Kerala from 13th to 17th July 2024," it added.

 

 

Kerala Disaster Management Issues Advisories For Residents, Fishermen

In response to the weather warnings, the Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA) has advised residents to avoid standing or parking vehicles under trees, as strong winds could cause them to uproot or break branches. Those living in thatched, sheeted, or unsecured houses should relocate to safer buildings following authorities' instructions.

Additionally, the IMD has warned fishermen against venturing into the sea along the coasts of Kerala, Karnataka, and Lakshadweep from June 13 to June 17 due to potential bad weather and strong winds. The Indian National Center for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS) has also indicated the possibility of high waves and storm surges along the Kerala and Tamil Nadu coasts until Sunday, urging fishermen to exercise caution.