Heavy Rain Warning in Keralam on Thiruvonam; Orange Alert in Six Districts

Thiruvananthapuram: A heavy rain warning has been issued in Keralam on Thiruvonam, with the Central Meteorological Department forecasting widespread rainfall across the state. An orange alert has been declared today in Pathanamthitta, Kottayam, Ernakulam, Idukki, Kannur and Kasaragod districts.

The Meteorological Department has advised people not to venture into the sea for fishing along the Keralam, Karnataka and Lakshadweep coasts. Strong winds with speeds of 35 to 45 kmph, occasionally reaching 55 kmph, are also likely along the Keralam, Karnataka and Lakshadweep coasts.

Safety Advisory for the Public

People living in areas vulnerable to landslides, mudslides and flash floods should move to safer locations as directed by the authorities.

Those living along riverbanks and in areas downstream of dams should also assess the risk in advance and relocate to safer places as instructed by the authorities.

People living in disaster-prone areas must ensure that relief camps have been opened in their locality and should move to the camps during the daytime itself. They can contact local self-government institutions and revenue authorities for this purpose.

As strong winds are likely, people living in houses that are not structurally secure or have weak roofs should exercise extra caution. Those who feel that their homes are in a dangerous condition should contact the authorities and move to safer locations as a precautionary measure.

People should also remain alert to the possibility of trees being uprooted and electric poles collapsing due to strong winds. The precautionary measures to be taken during strong winds issued by the Kerala State Disaster Management Authority are available at the official advisory page.

During heavy rainfall, people must not cross rivers under any circumstances or enter rivers or other water bodies for bathing, fishing or any other purpose.

People must not climb onto bridges over water bodies to view the scenery, take selfies or photographs, or gather in groups.

When rainfall intensifies, all non-essential travel should be completely avoided. Tourist trips to waterfalls, water bodies and hilly areas should be avoided entirely until the rain warning is withdrawn.

Extra caution should be exercised while travelling on roads alongside water bodies. People should also remain alert on roads where repair work is underway. The possibility of an increase in road accidents during extremely heavy rainfall should be kept in mind. Vehicles should not be driven through areas where water bodies have overflowed onto the roads.

Dangerous trees, poles, signboards and walls in private and public spaces should be secured, and trees should be trimmed where necessary. Any hazardous conditions should be brought to the attention of the authorities.