The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has announced an orange alert in seven districts of Kerala following heavy rainfall on October 20.
Thiruvananthapuram, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Idukki, Malappuram, Ernakulam and Palakkad are the alerted areas, as the districts witnessed severe rainfall over the last two days. The Kerala Disaster Management Authority (KDMA) has noted that storms will continue for another five days. The alerted districts will see rainfall between 115 mm to 204 mm.
Those living in landslide-prone areas and areas where cracks develop in the ground were required to relocate, pending information from district officials.
The orange alert has been declared in the districts from October 20 to October 23. The alert has been issued for all the northern districts — Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur and Kasaragod — for Oct. 23.
Along with a landslide and flood alert, the KDMA has also asked the districts to seek protection from lightning. The authority has shared a list of items required for an emergency kit, which will help those living in flood and landslide prone areas. KDMA has also asked people to relocate to the relief camps if necessary. The IMD has also restricted fishermen from going to sea on these days.
The heavy rains can be attributed to a low pressure area over the Arabian Sea. The Disaster Management Authority has also shared the maps of landslide and flood prone areas.
Authorities have also warned against sharing fake messages through social media. District authorities are assigned to alert and spread information on relief camps to the public in each locality.
Over the last few days, it has been reported that minor damage to property has been caused due to storms in the districts.