Kerala is grappling with severe disruptions caused by relentless heavy rainfall since Friday night, prompting the India Meteorological Department (IMD) to issue a 'red alert' for Ernakulam, Idukki, and Thrissur districts, signaling "heavy to extremely heavy" rainfall exceeding 20 cm in 24 hours.
The IMD also issued an 'orange alert' for Pathanamthitta, Kottayam, Palakkad, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur, and Kasaragod, indicating "very heavy" rainfall of 11 to 20 cm, and a 'yellow alert' for the remaining districts, forecasting "heavy" rainfall between 6 and 11 cm.
The IMD predicts persistent rains and strong winds of 50-60 kmph through Sunday, exacerbating conditions across the state. Coastal areas face additional risks, with the Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS) warning of sea surges and waves up to 3.4 meters along the Kasaragod and Alappuzha coasts until 8:30 pm Sunday. Fishing has been prohibited along the Kerala-Karnataka-Lakshadweep coasts until July 30 due to hazardous sea conditions.
Widespread damage has been reported, particularly in Kozhikode, Kottayam, Palakkad, and Kannur, where overnight rains and winds uprooted trees, damaged homes, vehicles, power lines, and electric poles, causing significant power outages. Rising water levels have led to the opening of shutters at the Banasura Sagar dam in Wayanad and the Aliyar dam in Palakkad, with residents downstream urged to remain vigilant.
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The Irrigation Design and Research Board (IDRB) and Central Water Commission (CWC) have issued alerts for dangerously high water levels in rivers such as the Manimala, Achankovil, Pamba, Vamanapuram, Pallikkal, and Thodupuzha. Authorities have advised residents along riverbanks to exercise caution and avoid entering or crossing these water bodies.
As Kerala braces for continued adverse weather, officials are urging heightened alertness among coastal and riverside communities to mitigate risks and ensure safety.
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