heavy-rainfall-lashes-kerala-imd-issues-red-alert

With Southwest monsoon intensifying in Kerala two days after its onset, heavy downpours lashed several parts of the state, especially in south and central districts triggering landslides, uprooting trees and waterlogging.

 

Continuous rains for hours caused widespread destruction in the high-range areas of Kottayam and Idukki districts, while intense rains caused severe waterlogging and traffic snarls in the low-lying areas of Thrissur district.

 

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) updated its weather warning, placing the central district of Thrissur and northern districts of Malappuram and Kozhikode under red alert on Saturday.

 

An orange alert was sounded in Idukki, Palakkad and Wayanad and a yellow alert was issued in six districts.

 

A red alert indicates heavy to extremely heavy rain of over 20 cm in 24 hours, while an orange alert means very heavy rain of 11 cm to 20 cm, and a yellow alert means heavy rainfall between 6 cm and 11 cm.

 

With various parts of the neighbouring Kottayam district receiving downpour, people living close to Meenachal and Manimala rivers were also urged to remain vigilant.

 

Incessant rains that battered several parts of Kottayam for hours since Friday evening caused waterlogging and traffic snarls. While Vadavathoor region received 100 mm rainfall on Friday night, the urban areas of Kottayam got 99 mm, authorities said.

 

Though the port city of Kochi received moderate rains, Aluva region of Ernakulam experienced intense rains since May 31 night.

 

The central district of Thrissur has been experiencing intense downpours since this morning, leaving people stranded at bus stops and railway stations in large numbers. Waterlogging and traffic snarls were also reported in various parts of the city.

 

As per the latest radar imagery, a thunderstorm accompanied by moderate to intense spell of rainfall with winds gusting upto 40 kmph is expected in Thrissur, the met department said.

 

Authorities have urged people to be alert as inundation on major roads and poor visibility of vehicles may lead to traffic congestion.

 

They also warned about flooding in many parts of low-lying areas and river banks. Non-essential movements may be restricted and people should remain at safe places, they added.