The southwest monsoon remained active in Kerala on Monday, and orange and yellow warnings remained in effect across the state, officials said.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert for Kozhikode, Kannur and Kasaragod districts, indicating possible isolated very heavy rainfall ranging from 11 cm to 20 cm.
A yellow alert has been issued for Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Idukki, Ernakulam, Thrissur, Palakkad, Malappuram and Wayanad districts. The alert indicates the possibility of scattered heavy rain, ranging from 6 cm to 11 cm.
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For Tuesday, the IMD has issued an orange alert for Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur and Kasaragod districts, while a yellow alert has been issued for Pathanamthitta, Kottayam, Idukki, Ernakulam, Thrissur and Palakkad districts.
The Meteorological Department has also advised fishermen not to venture into the sea, as bad weather is likely to prevail, with wind speeds of 40-50 kmph and reaching 60 kmph, along and off the Kerala coast.
The IMD on Monday issued a three-hour orange alert for Thiruvananthapuram district, warning of moderate to heavy rain accompanied by thunderstorms and strong winds of up to 50 km per hour.
Many tourist destinations across the state have been closed as a precaution in light of forecast heavy rainfall.
Authorities urged residents in areas prone to landslides, mudslides and flash floods to remain vigilant and move to safer locations if officials advise.
People living along river banks and in dam areas downstream have also been asked to be careful.
With strong winds also expected, those living in vulnerable or poorly constructed homes have been advised to take precautions.
The authorities also urged the public to avoid unnecessary travel during periods of heavy rain and to stay away from waterfalls, bodies of water and mountainous tourist destinations until weather conditions improve.
The Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA) said control rooms at district and taluk levels are working round the clock across the state. Residents can seek emergency assistance through toll-free helpline numbers 1077 and 1070.
