Heavy rains to lash Kerala, red alert issued in Kasaragod
Orange alert has been issued in Kerala's Idukki, Kannur, Kozhikode, Malappuram and Wayanad.
In Short
- IMD had previously issued a red alert for Wayanad from July 19 to 20
- Shutters of four dams on Idukki and Ernakulam rivers have been opened
- Yellow alert issued for Kollam, Thiruvananthapuram, Palakkad
The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert in Kerala's Kasaragod for Saturday amid forecast of extremely heavy rainfall in the area.
With the southwest monsoon set to intensify, an orange alert has been issued in Idukki, Kannur, Kozhikode, Malappuram and Wayanad, ANI said.
The IMD earlier issued a red alert for Wayanad from July 19 to 22, warning of rain in excess of 20 cm. It also issued a red alert for Malappuram and Kannur districts for July 19 and Kasargod district for July 20.
Kerala: Meteorological Dept issued red alert in Kasargod district for today&orange alert for Idukki,Kannur,Kozhikode,Malappuram&Wayanad. Red alert for Kozhikode&Wayanad for 21 July&orange alert for Malappuram&Kannur. Red alert issued for Wayanad&Kozhikode districts for 22 July. ANI (@ANI) July 20, 2019
Red alert is a warning to take preventive measures to evacuate people from vulnerable areas to safer locations.
Meanwhile, a yellow alert has been issued for Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Ernakulam, Thrissur and Palakkad districts.
With the Southwest rise in the water level of the rivers, shutters of four dams under Idukki and Ernakulam districts have been opened, The News Minute reported. Those living on the banks have been asked to be cautious.
Kerala: One shutter of Kallarkutty Dam situated in Idukki district has been opened, following heavy rains in the catchment area. pic.twitter.com/vMVtMrmPmX ANI (@ANI) July 20, 2019
Other districts are also predicted to get isolated heavy to very heavy rains on these days, though a red alert has not been issued for them.
Fishermen living on the coast of Kerala and Lakshadweep area have been cautioned not to venture out to sea due to strong winds from the northwesterly direction reaching speeds of 40-50 kmph.
According to the IMD, some places in Kozhikode and Idukki districts, where a red alert was sounded, recorded around 14 cm rainfall on Friday. Some places in Malappuram, Thrissur, Ernakulam and Kottayam districts received rainfall of over 12 cm.
Pilgrims visiting the famous Lord Ayyappa temple in Sabarimala in Pathanamthitta district which has been opened for the five-day monthly pooja, have been facing difficulties due to incessant rain.
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