Relentless heavy rainfall battered Kerala on Saturday, causing widespread waterlogging in low-lying areas, raising dam levels to critical thresholds, and prompting the India Meteorological Department (IMD) to issue an orange alert for five districts. The downpour, which continued unabated throughout the day, has disrupted daily life and sparked concerns about potential flooding across the state.
In Pathanamthitta district, authorities were forced to open two shutters of the Kakki reservoir in the afternoon to release excess water, as rising levels posed a risk of overflow. In Palakkad, the Meenkara, Chuliyar, and Walayar dams reached a “third stage alert” status, signaling dangerously high water levels that could threaten downstream areas if not managed carefully. Waterlogging was reported in multiple low-lying regions, stranding residents and complicating travel.
The IMD issued an orange alert—indicating very heavy rainfall of 11 to 20 cm—for Ernakulam, Idukki, Thrissur, Kannur, and Kasaragod districts, while a yellow alert, signaling heavy rainfall of 6 to 11 cm, was placed for the remaining nine districts. Strong winds, with speeds reaching up to 40 kmph, added to the chaos, raising concerns about further damage. The IMD also forecasted heavy to very heavy rainfall across parts of Kerala from August 16 to 20, accompanied by gusty winds of 40-50 kmph, with some areas potentially facing winds up to 60 kmph.
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In response to the worsening weather, the IMD issued a stern warning against fishing activities along the Kerala, Karnataka, and Lakshadweep coasts from August 16 to 18, citing hazardous conditions and strong winds. Local authorities have urged residents to stay cautious, avoid flooded areas, and refrain from venturing near swollen rivers or reservoirs.
The ongoing deluge has heightened fears of a repeat of past flooding disasters in Kerala, with officials scrambling to monitor dam levels and ensure timely evacuations if necessary. As the state braces for more rain in the coming days, the focus remains on protecting vulnerable communities and mitigating the impact of this relentless weather onslaught.
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