Heavy Rain to Continue in Keralam for Three More Days; Death Toll Rises to 29

Thiruvananthapuram: Heavy rainfall is expected to continue across Keralam for the next three days, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). A cyclonic circulation persists over south Karnataka and adjoining regions, while Typhoon Dolphin, which formed over the North Pacific Ocean, is expected to influence weather conditions over central and northern Keralam today and tomorrow. Weather experts say the cyclone could also have an impact on the southwest monsoon over India. In view of the forecast, an orange alert has been issued today for Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Idukki, Ernakulam, Kannur and Kasaragod districts. A yellow alert remains in force for the rest of the state. The death toll from rain-related incidents in Keralam has risen to 29. A total of 30,215 people have been shifted to 460 relief camps operating across various districts. Search operations are continuing for John Mathias, who went missing in the sea off Vizhinjam in Thiruvananthapuram, and for Gautham Krishnan, who was swept away by waves while fishing off Neendakara in Kollam. In Kuttanad, the situation has worsened as the Thottappally spillway has not been fully opened and the accumulation of waste has obstructed water flow. With the intensity of rainfall easing, waterlogging has receded in some parts of Kottayam. However, low-lying areas remain submerged. Water levels in the Meenachil River have decreased, with the river level at Pala recorded at 10 feet. Flooding continues in low-lying areas around Kottayam town. For the next three hours, an orange alert remains in effect for Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Idukki and Ernakulam districts, where moderate rainfall and strong winds of up to 40 kmph are likely. Other districts may also experience isolated moderate rainfall accompanied by winds of up to 30 kmph, the IMD said. Meanwhile, the National Centre for Coastal Research (NCCR) has warned of rough sea conditions due to the 'kallakkadal' phenomenon. Waves ranging from 1.1 to 1.5 metres are expected along the coasts of Thiruvananthapuram (Kapil to Pozhiyoor), Kollam (Alappad to Edava) and Alappuzha (Chellanam to Azhikkal Jetty) until 11.30 am tomorrow, raising the possibility of coastal inundation. The NCCR has also warned of waves between 1.2 and 1.6 metres along the Kanyakumari coast until 2.30 pm today. Fishermen and coastal residents have been advised to remain vigilant due to the risk of sea incursions.