Red Alert Issued In Kerala As Heavy Rains Predicted In Four Districts

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA) has issued both the Red and Orange alerts in several districts of Kerala, due to the formation of a depression in the Bay of Bengal. As per the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) forecast heavy rainfall is expected in Kerala between December 2 and 3. 

The red alert indicates heavy to very heavy rains of over 20 cms in 24 hours. The districts which come under the Red alert are Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta and Alappuzha. While the districts which come under the Orange alert are Kottayam, Ernakulam and Idukki districts. The orange alert indicates moderate rainfall of over 6 cms to 20 cms.

The IMD has stated that a depression formed over the Bay of Bengal on Monday would slowly progress as a cyclonic storm. Thunderstorms accompanied by lighting are likely to occur at one or two places over Kerala and Lakshadweep up to December 4. The coastal region from  Vizhinjam to Kasaragod likely to have high waves in the range of 2 to 3.5 meters from December 2 2.30 pm to 11.30 pm on December 4. Kerala has also banned all fishing activities starting Monday midnight until further notice.

 Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan urged people to be extra vigilant and relief camps would be set up from Thiruvananthapuram to Ernakulam districts. Seven additional NDRF teams have been bought from the centre. As heavy rains are forecasted, there are possibilities of low-lying areas getting flooded and landslides in hilly areas, he said.