Thiruvananthapuram, Oct 23 — The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Friday issued Orange alerts for 10 districts in Kerala, warning of very heavy rainfall, with thunderstorms expected in several parts of the state over the next three days.
The alerts, indicating the possibility of very heavy rainfall, ranging from 115.6 mm to 204.4 mm in 24 hours at isolated places, are in force in Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Idukki, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur, and Kasaragod on Friday.
For Saturday, Orange alerts have been issued for Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Idukki, Ernakulam, Thrissur, Palakkad, and Malappuram.
On Sunday, the warning will cover 12 districts, with Orange alerts in Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Idukki, Ernakulam, Thrissur, Palakkad, Malappuram, Kozhikode, and Wayanad.
Yellow alerts, which indicate the possibility of isolated heavy rainfall of 64.5 mm to 115.5 mm in 24 hours, have been issued for Ernakulam, Thrissur, Palakkad, and Malappuram on Friday; Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur, and Kasaragod on Saturday; and Kannur and Kasaragod on Sunday.
On Monday, Yellow alerts will be in force in 12 districts, covering Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Idukki, Ernakulam, Thrissur, Palakkad, Malappuram, Kozhikode, and Wayanad.
The Kerala State Disaster Management Authority has urged people living in landslide-prone areas and regions vulnerable to flash floods to move to safer locations as directed by the authorities.
Those living along riverbanks and in areas downstream of dams have also been advised to remain alert and relocate if necessary.
People have been advised to avoid unnecessary travel during intense rainfall and to postpone trips to waterfalls, water bodies, and hilly areas until the warnings are withdrawn.
Entering rivers and other water bodies for bathing, fishing or other activities during heavy rain should be strictly avoided.
Motorists have been urged to exercise caution on roads near water bodies and at locations where repair work is under way.
People should also stay away from trees, electric poles, signboards and walls that could collapse in strong winds.