Kerala is bracing for another spell of intense rainfall as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued orange alerts across several districts for Sunday, October 25 and said very heavy rain at isolated locations.
The latest weather forecast shows that the ongoing rainfall activity is likely to continue across the state with thunderstorms and lightning.
According to the IMD on Saturday, 12 districts are under orange alerts for Sunday and Kannur and Kasaragod are expected to be on yellow alert. Waterlogging, road-lapse and landslide risk are being raised by the rain-laden region with severe rainfall in Kerala in the northeast monsoon season.
Residents are being advised to closely follow the latest weather data and follow the safety advice given by authorities.
The districts under an orange alert for October 25 are:
- Thiruvananthapuram
- Kollam
- Pathanamthitta
- Alappuzha
- Kottayam
- Idukki
- Ernakulam
- Thrissur
- Palakkad
- Malappuram
- Kozhikode
- Wayanad
The IMD has warned that isolated places in these districts could receive very heavy rainfall within a 24-hour period. Very heavy rainfall is precipitation between 115.6 mm and 204.4 mm in 24 hours.
Meanwhile, Kannur and Kasaragod are under a yellow alert as there is a risk of heavy rainfall at isolated places. Heavy rainfall is precipitation between 64.5 mm and 115.5 mm within 24 hours. The district-wise warning is on warning that intense showers are likely to occur in central, southern and northern Kerala and weather conditions will remain unsettled.
The continuing rains were associated with weather systems in the Arabian Sea and surrounding regions and rain was also associated with weather systems in the Arabian Sea and neighbouring regions, and heavy rains were observed in Kerala.
Prior reports had highlighted a low-pressure area over the southwest Arabian Sea and there was a low-pressure area on the southwest Arabian Sea and the southwest Bay of Bengal and Tamil Nadu coast and other weather system over the oceanic region and the coast of Kerala.
The weather systems have already had widespread showers and thunderstorms in Kerala now and there are chances of widespread showers and thunderstorms in southern India. This is an indication of the rainfall in Kerala and there are heavy to very heavy rains and thunderstorms expected to continue to be very heavy at some locations with heavy rain in the near future.
The weather could affect travel, outdoor activities and daily life in the places which have already been drenched. Residents are advised not to assume that rainfall will be light simply because conditions are light because the situation will be light because the weather will improve temporarily better in between showers.
The weather department warned that intense rainfall would lead to waterlogging, reduced visibility, traffic congestion, falling trees and disruptions to electricity infrastructure. Severe rainfall can lead to landslides, mudslides and sudden water flow through vulnerable slopes in hilly areas.
Residents living along rivers, streams and low-lying areas should keep a watchful eye on water levels and follow the advice given by the local authorities. People travelling through hill roads must be aware of weather and traffic advisories before they go and should not travel on through hills and roads in the path of landslides or flooding.
Thunderstorms and lightning are also a hazard to people and livestock, the IMD warned. During lightning activity, people should move indoors or seek safe shelter rather than remain in open spaces.
Authorities are also taking precautions for coastal areas, as unsettled weather and strong winds are expected along the Kerala coast. Squally weather with wind speeds between 35 and 45 kilometres per hour and gusting up to 55 km/hr is expected to hit coastal areas and adjacent waters, according to reports. Fishermen are advised not to go into the sea during the period covered by the warning.
Residents of coastal areas should be mindful of rough sea conditions and follow official advice on high waves and sea intrusion. Residents living in disaster-prone areas should find safe places to live and be prepared to leave if evacuation instructions are issued. Residents should also avoid standing beneath trees, near unstable structures or close to electric poles during strong winds and thunderstorms.
With heavy rainfall continuing to hit Kerala and heavy rains expected to continue, Kerala residents should keep themselves updated through IMD predictions and district administration announcements for the next few days. People should avoid unnecessary travel during intense showers, especially through areas prone to flooding, landslides and falling trees.
Residents should follow evacuation advice and seek assistance from local authorities if conditions become unsafe. Motorists should drive carefully, maintain safe distances and avoid attempting to cross flooded roads or overflowing streams.
Fishermen must strictly follow marine weather advisories, while families should ensure that children and elderly people remain safe during thunderstorms. The orange alert indicates the possibility of very heavy rain at isolated locations, but actual rainfall may vary from district to district.
As Kerala prepares for another wet day on October 25, public awareness and timely precautions remain essential to reduce weather-related risks.
Note that there are orange and yellow alerts, not a red alert in three districts. The report has therefore been updated in the headline to reflect the reported warning.
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