The southwest monsoon, which had weakened last week, is expected to bring more rainfall to Kerala starting Thursday. Significant rainfall is predicted for various districts over the next few days. Strengthening monsoon winds on the Kerala coast and a cyclone in the western Pacific Ocean after June 20 will likely result in heavy rainfall across northern and central Kerala.
The Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS) has also warned of potential coastal flooding due to swell surge waves from 10 pm on Tuesday (June 18) until 7 pm on Wednesday (June 19) along the Kerala coast. This phenomenon may persist until 11:30 pm on Wednesday along the Tamil Nadu coast. Fishermen and coastal residents are advised to stay alert. Here’s what tourists should keep in mind if visiting Kerala from June 20 onwards:
1) Beach and Sea Safety
Avoid Beaches: Refrain from visiting the beach or swimming in the sea when there is an alert for swell waves. These waves can erode coastal areas and pose significant risks.
Stay Away from Cliff Edges and Rocks: Swell waves can cause unexpected surges along the coast, making these areas particularly dangerous.
2) Indoor Activities and Backup Plans
Stay Indoors: Plan your activities to remain indoors during heavy rainfall. If conditions are safe, you can venture out but have a backup plan for rainy days.
Indoor Entertainment: Consider indoor activities such as hotel amenities, spa or wellness sessions, cooking or art classes, or exploring local cuisines. Your tour operator or hotelier can assist with planning these activities.
3) Travel Safety
Check Road Conditions: If travel is unavoidable, stay updated on road conditions and traffic. Roads may become impassable due to flooding, debris, or landslides.
Hire Local Drivers: Utilize the services of local drivers who are familiar with alternate routes and can navigate safely.
4) Emergency Preparedness
Charge Your Devices: Ensure your mobile phones and other devices are fully charged.
Share Your Itinerary: Inform emergency contacts about your plans and keep essential numbers (ambulance, police, hotel, tourist helplines) saved on your phone.
5) Accommodation Safety
Assess Flood Risk: Verify that your accommodation is in a safe location, especially if it’s in flood-prone or low-lying areas.
Follow Evacuation Orders: If there are evacuation orders, comply promptly and cooperate with local authorities and residents.
Report Hazards: Immediately report any dangerous situations to the authorities.
By following these guidelines, tourists can stay safe and make the most of their visit to Kerala, even amidst the heavy rains.
