Heavy rainfall is expected to continue across Kerala on Tuesday, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issuing a yellow alert in seven districts as widespread rain, thunderstorms and strong winds affect several parts of the state.
The districts placed under yellow alert are Kasaragod, Kannur, Kozhikode, Malappuram, Idukki, Kottayam and Pathanamthitta.
According to the IMD, a yellow alert indicates the possibility of heavy rainfall ranging between 7 cm and 12 cm within a 24-hour period.
The weather department has further warned that heavy rain activity is likely to continue across Kerala until May 21. Thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and gusty winds with speeds reaching 40 to 50 km/h are also expected at isolated locations across the state during this period.
In view of the continuing weather conditions, the Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA) has issued a series of public safety advisories.
Authorities have urged residents living in landslide-prone and flood-prone areas to remain highly vigilant and move to safer locations immediately if instructed by local officials.
People residing near riverbanks and downstream areas of dams have also been advised to exercise extreme caution and relocate if water levels begin to rise.
The KSDMA stated that residents in vulnerable regions should coordinate with local self-government bodies and revenue officials to shift to relief camps during daytime if necessary.
Amid the ongoing heavy rain alerts across Kerala, Gold 101.3FM UAE’s No.1 radio station continues to keep Malayali listeners across the Gulf updated with the latest weather warnings and safety advisories from the state.
Due to the possibility of strong winds, people living in weak or damaged houses have been advised to take preventive measures or temporarily move to safer shelters.
Authorities have also warned the public against crossing rivers, entering water bodies for bathing or fishing, or travelling across bridges over swollen rivers during periods of intense rainfall.
Residents have been strongly advised to avoid unnecessary travel, particularly to hilly regions, waterfalls and other water-related tourist locations, until weather conditions improve and official warnings are withdrawn.
Motorists have also been asked to remain cautious while driving, especially on roads near rivers, canals and waterlogged areas, and to avoid attempting to cross flooded stretches.
Additionally, the public has been instructed to secure loose trees, electric poles, hoardings and unstable walls in both private and public spaces and report any potential hazards to local authorities immediately.
