Thiruvananthapuram, 07 July:The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has revised its rain alert for Kerala, placing Wayanad and Kozhikode under a red alert following the recent landslip in Wayanad and the forecast of extremely heavy rainfall.
An orange alert has been issued for Malappuram, Kannur and Kasaragod on Tuesday, with the IMD forecasting heavy to very heavy rainfall ranging between 115.6 mm and 204.4 mm over the next 24 hours. These districts will remain under a yellow alert on Wednesday.
Yellow alerts have also been issued for Ernakulam, Thrissur, Idukki and Palakkad on Tuesday, with the warning continuing in these districts on Wednesday.
The revised weather advisory comes as heavy rains continue to affect several parts of the State, raising concerns over flooding, landslides and disruptions to normal life.
The IMD has also warned of strong surface winds with speeds of 40-50 kmph at isolated places across Kerala and Lakshadweep until July 8. Squally weather, with wind speeds of 40-50 kmph gusting up to 60 kmph, is expected along and off the Kerala and Lakshadweep coasts until July 8, and along the Karnataka coast until July 10.
In view of the rough sea conditions, fishermen have been advised not to venture into the affected sea areas during the warning period.
Rainfall continued across many parts of Kerala on Monday, with Ayyankunnu in Kannur district recording the highest precipitation in the State at 5 cm.
The weather department cautioned that persistent rainfall could result in waterlogging, reduced visibility and traffic disruptions, especially in low-lying and urban areas. Strong winds may uproot trees, damage power lines and cause interruptions to electricity supply and transportation.
The IMD also warned that standing crops nearing harvest could suffer damage due to the adverse weather conditions.
People residing in landslide-prone and hilly regions have been urged to remain vigilant and strictly follow advisories issued by local authorities. The department has further warned of lightning during thunderstorms and advised the public to avoid open spaces, stay away from weak or vulnerable structures and take all necessary safety precautions.
