Seven Kerala districts on orange alert as rains persist

Thiruvananthapuram, Aug 8 (IANS) Kerala remained on high alert on Saturday after the India Meteorological Department (IMD) warned of another spell of intense rainfall, particularly across the northern and central regions of the state, placing seven districts under an orange alert.

The districts under orange alert include Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur and Kasaragod. They are likely to receive very heavy rainfall in isolated areas. The remaining districts are under yellow alert.

The IMD has warned that the weather could remain unsettled in the coming hours, raising the risk of waterlogging, flash floods and landslides in vulnerable areas.

As a precaution, authorities declared a holiday for educational institutions in several affected districts, covering establishments from anganwadis to professional colleges. In Kozhikode, however, professional colleges remain exempt from the closure order. Previously scheduled public and university examinations will be conducted as planned.

The authorities have also tightened restrictions along the coast, with fishermen barred from venturing into the sea amid the possibility of strong winds and rough conditions.

Winds of 40-50 kmph, occasionally reaching 60 kmph, are expected along the Kerala coast.

The State Disaster Management Authority has urged people to avoid non-essential travel, particularly through hilly areas and during night hours.

Those living in landslide- and flood-prone areas have been advised to remain prepared to move to safer locations if required.

With rivers and streams likely to swell, people have been warned against approaching water bodies, entering rivers or visiting waterfalls and other vulnerable tourist spots.

Fishing and taking selfies near rivers have also been prohibited as a safety measure.

Control rooms have been activated at the taluk level, while National Disaster Response Force and Fire and Rescue teams have been kept ready in areas likely to be hit by intense rainfall.

Authorities have urged the public to rely only on official weather and disaster-management updates.

The latest forecast suggests that the wet spell is likely to persist over Kerala through the coming days, keeping the state under heightened weather surveillance.

–IANS

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