IMD Issues Orange Alert for Heavy Rainfall in Kerala: State Braces for Impact
The Indian state of Kerala is currently grappling with heavy rainfall, as parts of the region have received more than 200 mm of rain in the past 24 hours. Cities like Kochi and Thrissur are witnessing waterlogging, causing inconvenience to residents and commuters. To address the situation, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an Orange alert for three districts: Pathanamthitta, Kottayam, and Idukki. An Orange alert indicates the likelihood of very heavy rainfall, ranging from 11 cm to 20 cm, posing risks of flooding and other rain-related incidents.
According to Kerala’s Revenue Minister K Rajan, recent rains have led to unfortunate incidents resulting in the loss of lives. Eleven fatalities have been reported, including incidents of drowning, lightning strikes, and structural collapses. The heavy rainfall, with areas like Kunnamangalam in Kozhikode district recording 22.62 cm of rain, has prompted concerns about potential disasters and the need for adequate emergency preparedness. Rajan emphasized the readiness of local authorities, including fire services, police, and revenue departments, to respond to any emergencies. Additionally, two National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams are deployed in the state to assist in rescue and relief operations. As the rains persist, relief camps have been set up across the state, providing shelter to those affected by the inclement weather. Amid these challenges, efforts are underway to strengthen epidemic prevention activities to mitigate the risk of health hazards associated with heavy rainfall and flooding.
