Kerala on High Alert: Red Alerts Issued as Low Pressure System Promises Intense Rains

Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala is bracing for intense to very intense rainfall over the next five days, triggered by a low-pressure area that has formed over the Arabian Sea. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued Red Alerts for several districts, indicating the likelihood of isolated extremely heavy rainfall from Saturday through Monday.

Red alerts have been declared for Kannur and Kasaragod districts on Saturday. On Sunday, the alert extends to Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur, and Kasaragod. Come Monday, the red alert zone will include Pathanamthitta, Idukki, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur, and Kasaragod districts.

This comes as the Southwest Monsoon is predicted to hit the Kerala coast within the next two days. The low-pressure system has formed over the east-central Arabian Sea, off the North Karnataka-Goa coast, and is expected to intensify into a deep depression as it moves northwards, according to the IMD. This atmospheric activity is contributing to the widespread rainfall currently being experienced across the state.

Beyond the red alerts, Orange Alerts have also been issued for numerous districts, signifying very heavy rainfall. Today, Thrissur, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur, and Kasaragod are under an orange alert. Looking ahead, orange alerts are in place for:

• Saturday: Pathanamthitta, Kottayam, Ernakulam, Idukki, Thrissur, Palakkad, Malappuram, Kozhikode, and Wayanad.
• Sunday: Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Ernakulam, Idukki, Thrissur, and Palakkad.
• Monday: Kottayam, Ernakulam, Thrissur, and Palakkad.
• Tuesday: Pathanamthitta, Idukki, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur, and Kasaragod.

No district in Kerala is entirely free from a rain warning until Tuesday. Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Ernakulam, Idukki, and Palakkad districts are under a Yellow Alert today, indicating isolated heavy rainfall. Residents across the state are advised to exercise caution and stay updated with official weather advisories.