Cyclone Montha Approaches; Heavy Rain Continues, Yellow Alert in Kannur and Kasaragod

Thiruvananthapuram: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a yellow alert for Kannur and Kasaragod districts today due to heavy rainfall. Tomorrow, yellow alerts are also in effect for Kozhikode, Kannur, Wayanad, and Kasaragod districts. Residents in areas prone to landslides, mudslides, and flash floods are advised to relocate temporarily following official instructions. Fishing is prohibited along the Kerala coast today and tomorrow.
The IMD has predicted rainfall ranging from 64.4 mm to 115.5 mm over the next 24 hours, accompanied by lightning. Winds are expected to blow at speeds of 30–40 km/h during the same period. Along the Kerala coast and adjoining sea areas, wind speeds could reach up to 55 km/h at times.
A low-pressure system has formed over the southeast Bay of Bengal and the adjoining Andaman Sea. The IMD has indicated that the system is likely to intensify into a depression by October 26 and may develop into a cyclonic storm by October 27. Once it becomes a cyclonic storm, it will be named Cyclone Montha, a name suggested by Thailand. In Thai, "Montha" means "fragrant flower" or "beautiful flower.
The IMD has warned that Kerala is likely to experience moderate rainfall or thunderstorms over the next five days, with isolated heavy rainfall expected today and between October 24 and 28 in different parts of the state
Authorities have urged fishermen and coastal communities to exercise caution until the cyclone passes.