New Delhi: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an alert for Kerala, predicting light to moderate rainfall across most regions on Monday. The weather agency also predicts heavy to very heavy rainfall in some areas and extremely heavy showers in isolated locations.  Heavy rainfall is also expected in scattered areas on Tuesday.

The rainfall is being caused by a well-marked low-pressure area formed from the remnants of cyclonic storm “FENGAL.” The low-pressure system, which weakened after moving over north coastal Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, is expected to shift towards the Arabian Sea off the Kerala-Karnataka coast by Tuesday, bringing more rainfall to the region.

Authorities have issued warnings, urging caution for residents and travelers.

No entry to tourists places

Due to continuous heavy rainfall, night-time travel on the Erattupetta-Vagamon road has been prohibited until December 4. Entry to tourist destinations such as Vagamon in Idukki, Illikkal Kallu and Marmala Aruvi  and Ilaveezhapoonchira in Kottayam has been restricted during this period.

There has been some relief from rain in Sabarimala in Pathanamthitta district. The rain has not disrupted the pilgrimage to a large extent. Darshan remains unaffected; however, swimming in Pampa has been restricted.

‘Sathram-Pullumedu’ forest route closed

The uphill path on the forest route has been temporarily closed. The Forest Department announced that the Sabarimala ‘Sathram-Pullumedu’ forest route will not be open to devotees on Monday. Devotees who had already reached the base of the route were transported to Pampa by a special KSRTC bus, while some returned to Pampa by their own vehicles.

The distance from ‘Sathram-Pullumedu’ is six kilometres, with an additional six kilometres from Pullumedu to the temple. The stretch starting from the base of Sathram is a steep incline of about one and a half kilometres. Since Sunday, this route has been experiencing dense fog, obstructing normal visibility. The Forest Department had previously issued a special notice stating that the route would only be opened if weather conditions improved. However, due to the persistent fog and rain, the route has been temporarily closed and will be reopened once the weather becomes favourable.

Warning issued

Meanwhile, the Disaster Management Authority has warned of the possibility of landslides and flash floods due to the heavy rain. People living in areas vulnerable to landslides, landslips, and flash floods in the mountainous regions are advised to move to safer locations. Night-time travel in these hilly areas should be avoided. Taluk and district control rooms are operational across all districts in Kerala, working 24 hours a day. In case of danger, assistance can be sought by calling the toll-free numbers 1077 or 1070.