Kerala is preparing for another spell of torrential rain, and weather agencies have predicted torrential rains in many districts in the next few days. As a result, depending on different weather conditions, Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan has directed state officials to keep track of the situation by closely observing the weather situation of the state and keeping track of every day’s weather situation so that public safety is not compromised and public health and welfare are not affected, according to the weather report.
According to weather forecasts, a low-pressure system over the Bay of Bengal and its atmospheric conditions will drive rainfall activity in Kerala from September 20 to September 24. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned of isolated heavy rainfall in some districts and issued yellow alerts for some areas of the state.
The Chief Minister held a high-level review meeting with officials from the Revenue Department, State Disaster Management Authority, police, fire and rescue services and district administration yesterday. He told officials to keep watch on rain and take hourly reports on rainfall intensity, river water levels, flooding risks, and emergency response. The administration has also been advised to keep relief staff and rescue equipment on standby in the most vulnerable areas.
District collectors have been instructed to closely watch low-lying areas, landslide-prone areas and coastal areas, officials said. Emergency control rooms will operate 24 hours at every level of government, and local authorities should also take preventive measures, including clearing drainage systems and finding temporary shelters if evacuation is necessary, they said.
The weather systems expected to produce the rainfall include a low-pressure area in the Bay of Bengal and favourable monsoon conditions over the Arabian Sea. These systems are expected to bring widespread showers and thunderstorms throughout Kerala and, in some places, heavy rain within a short period of time.
Many districts have already been put on yellow alert because of the possibility of heavy rain ranging from 64.5 mm to 115.5 mm in 24 hours. Officials have already warned residents to keep up with the weather service officials, not to go anywhere else during heavy rainfall and to keep in contact with official advisories and avoid unnecessary travel during periods of heavy rainfall.
Along Kerala’s coastline, other than inland rain, officials are also monitoring conditions. There are coastal areas with high waves and rough sea conditions; fishermen are advised to be wary of them; coastal residents are advised to be on the lookout for any emergency announcements from local officials.
Disaster management teams have been advised to prepare for waterlogging, flash floods, uprooted trees and localised landslides. Hilly areas where slope failure and road blockages are likely due to continuous rainfall are particularly important for disaster management.
The state government has appealed to the public to collaborate with the authorities and to listen to district officials’ warnings about safety alerts. Residents living in vulnerable areas of the state should have emergency kits and stay up to date with official weather bulletins.
The Kerala government has a high level of preparedness because the forecast is that the rain activity could continue for some time to come. The hourly assessment tool by Chief Minister Satheesan will help authorities respond to changing weather and protect lives and property in the state.
