Kerala rain update: Orange alert issued for 7 districts as 5-day heavy downpour expected
Thiruvananthapuram: A low-pressure area has formed over the South West Bay of Bengal and North Odisha, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) announced. Under its influence, Kerala is expected to experience light to moderate rainfall across the state from August 8 to 12.
The Weather Department has warned of isolated heavy rainfall on August 8 and 9, accompanied by squally winds with speeds ranging between 40 km/h and 60 km/h along the Kerala–Lakshadweep coasts. Consequently, Orange and Yellow alerts have been declared across multiple districts.
An orange alert has been declared for Saturday, August 8 in seven districts.
- Pathanamthitta
- Alappuzha
- Kottayam
- Kozhikode
- Wayanad
- Kannur
- Kasaragod
A yellow alert is in place on Saturday for Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Idukki, Ernakulam, Thrissur, Palakkad and Malappuram.
In addition, a Yellow Alert has been issued for August 9 in Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur and Kasaragod.
State Disaster Management Authority safety guidelines
The Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA) has issued severe weather advisories for residents across high-risk regions.
- Residents living in zones susceptible to landslides, mudslides and flash floods must relocate to safer locations as directed by local authorities.
- Those living near riverbanks or downstream of dams must anticipate potential risks and be prepared to move to safety.
- Non-essential travel should be avoided during heavy downpours. Entering water bodies for bathing or fishing is strictly prohibited.
- Standing in crowds on bridges over water bodies or taking selfies in flood-prone areas is strictly banned.
- Occupants of unsafe or weak houses must exercise extreme caution. Families in vulnerable zones are advised to keep emergency kits ready.
Round-the-clock control rooms are operational across all districts. Members of the public can seek assistance via the toll-free emergency numbers 1077 or 1070. The KSDMA added that alerts may be updated depending on changing weather forecasts, advising citizens to monitor official social media channels.