Kerala Weather Update: IMD Issues Red And Orange Alerts Across Multiple Districts

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued yellow and orange alerts for several districts in Kerala as incessant heavy rain and gusty winds continue to lash the state. The intensifying monsoon winds have prompted the IMD to sound red alerts in Malappuram, Kannur, and Kasaragod districts on Monday.

Alerts in Effect:

Orange Alerts:

• July 15: Ernakulam, Idukki, Thrissur, Palakkad, Kozhikode, Wayanad
• July 16: Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur, Kasaragod
• July 17: Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur, Kasaragod
• July 18: Kozhikode, Kannur, Kasaragod
• July 19: Kozhikode, Kannur, Kasaragod

Yellow Alerts:

• July 15: Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam
• July 16: Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Idukki, Ernakulam, Thrissur, Palakkad
• July 17: Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Idukki, Ernakulam, Thrissur, Palakkad, Malappuram, Wayanad
• July 18: Ernakulam, Idukki, Thrissur, Palakkad, Malappuram, Wayanad
• July 19: Malappuram, Kozhikode, Kannur, Kasaragod

A red alert signifies imminent severe weather conditions that could disrupt transportation and power supply, posing risks to life. On the other hand, an orange alert indicates extremely adverse weather conditions affecting transportation by rail, road, and air.

As heavy rain continues under the influence of a low-pressure area over the Bay of Bengal, district authorities have declared holidays for educational institutions in seven districts-Kasaragod, Kannur, Kozhikode, Malappuram, Wayanad, Thrissur, and Ernakulam-on Monday. In Kasaragod, however, no holiday has been declared for colleges.

The IMD has also predicted thunderstorms with heavy rainfall and gusty winds reaching 40 kmph in Thiruvananthapuram and Kollam districts. Moderate rainfall is expected at one or two places in Alappuzha and Ernakulam districts.

Over the past two days, heavy monsoon showers accompanied by strong winds have caused widespread havoc, including the uprooting of trees, minor landslides, intense water-logging, and partial damage to houses. Shutters at various dams have been raised in response to the continuous heavy downpour.

The Kerala Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA) has warned that water-logging on major roads and poor visibility could lead to traffic congestion. Flooding in low-lying areas and along river banks, as well as the uprooting of trees, may cause power outages and other related damages.