Thiruvananthapuram, August 12: Kerala is currently assessing the damage from recent floods that claimed 23 lives and left three fishermen missing. As the state prepares for another round of heavy rainfall, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued warnings about intensified rain activities in the coming days.
A new alert issued on Wednesday evening has raised concerns in a state already grappling with rising water levels in rivers and reservoirs. Thousands of residents are facing challenges due to submerged homes, damaged roads, and disrupted livelihoods.
Recent rainfall has devastated over 9,000 hectares of crops, further exacerbating the economic impact on the region.
The IMD reported a low-pressure area forming in the Bay of Bengal near the West Bengal-Bangladesh coast, which is expected to strengthen in the coming days. Another low-pressure system is also present over Madhya Pradesh.
The combined effects of these systems are likely to bring more rain to Kerala, particularly in hilly areas. Rainfall is expected to spread to other regions on Thursday and the following day.
The IMD has issued a yellow alert for Kannur and Kasaragod on Thursday, and for Pathanamthitta, Kottayam, and Idukki on Friday, warning of heavy rainfall in certain areas.
According to the IMD, heavy rainfall is defined as precipitation between 64.5 mm and 115.5 mm within 24 hours.
This new wave of rain may require the administration to remain vigilant, especially in areas where river and dam water levels have recently surged.
With the return of rainfall, authorities are expected to closely monitor landslide-prone and low-lying areas.
Additionally, the National Centre for Coastal Research has warned of high waves and seawater inundation in parts of the Kerala coast due to the ‘Kallakkadal’ phenomenon.
By 2:30 AM on August 13, waves between 1 to 1.6 meters are expected along the coasts of Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Alappuzha, Ernakulam, and Thrissur.
Fishermen and coastal residents are advised to exercise extreme caution. Small boats should not venture into the sea, and bringing ships to shore during rough waves is also deemed dangerous.
Until further notice, beach tourism and other coastal activities are discouraged. The anxiety in the state is heightened as the search continues for the three fishermen missing from the previous disaster, compounded by the looming threat of more heavy rainfall.
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S.C.H.
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