Kerala is expected to receive heavy to very heavy rainfall over the next five days as a cyclonic stop is expected to move towards the Onam Coast, the Kerala Meterological Department said, issuing a "district-wise warning."
“Under the influence of cyclonic circulation which is lying over Southeast Arabian Sea and adjoining Lakshadweep Maldives area, a low pressure area is expected to form over Southeast Arabian Sea near Lakshadweep during next 24 hrs,” said K Santosh, director, Kerala Meteorological Department, according to ANI.
He also said that it is likely to intensify further into a depression in subsequent 36 hours and then move northwestwards and develop into a cyclonic storm and again move in northwest direction towards the Oman Coast.
Kerala is expected to get heavy to very heavy rainfall for the next 5 days. We have issued district wise warning. Fishermen have been advised not to venture into sea for next 2-4 days.K Santosh, Director Kerala Meteorological Department
The Kerala government on Wednesday, 3 October, issued a red alert in three districts of the state after the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) warned of a cyclonic depression over the Arabian Sea.
In most districts in Kerala, a yellow alert has also been issued from 5-7 October. Some districts and isolated areas are likely to see heavy rains on 4 October. An orange alert has been issued in Idukki from 4-6 October, in Thrissur and Palakkad on 6 October and Pathanamthitta on 7 October, The News Minute reported.
In an emergency meeting convened by CM Pinarayi Vijayan, fishermen have been cautioned from venturing out.
He said, "The IMD has sounded a red alert in Idukki, Palakkad and Thrissur districts, as very heavy rains have been predicted on 7 October, while several parts of the state are likely to get heavy rains on 5 October.”
District authorities have been asked to be ready for any eventuality as landslides can be expected, said Vijayan.
The CM also advised against travelling to hilly areas during the mentioned dates, particularly to Munnar to explore neelakurinji at this time.
Vijayan also requested the central government to send five more teams of the NDRF to Kerala. Police would issue warnings in flood-prone areas through loudspeakers.
Additionally, the CM said relief camps would be constructed by 5 October, and that the existing relief camps (that were constructed during the Kerala floods) would also be put to use. Vijayan added that all required supplies and necessities would be arranged for.
Tamil Nadu, Puducherry on High Alert Too
The IMD also issued a red alert to Tamil Nadu, saying that heavy to very heavy rains is expected to lash the state on Sunday, 7 October and asked the authorities to take precautionary measures.
A low pressure area is likely form over the Southeast Arabian sea on Friday and could intensify into a cyclonic storm, the regional weather office said Thursday and warned fishermen against venturing into the sea, reported PTI.
Rains were likely in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry in the next three days, with the possibility of heavy rainfall in one or two places, Deputy Director General of Meteorology, Chennai, S Balachandran told PTI.
“A low pressure area is very likely to form over Southeast Arabian sea by tomorrow. It is very likely to concentrate into a depression during the subsequent 36 hours and move northwestwards.”S Balachandran
It is very likely to intensify into a cyclonic storm and move towards Oman, he added.
Fishermen were advised not to venture into the sea from 5-8 October over the South Kerala coast, Lakshadweep area, Comorin area, Southeast Arabian sea and Central Arabian sea, Balachandran said.
"Those who are in deep sea are advised to return to the coast by 5 October," he added.
An upper air circulation over Southwest Arabian sea adjoining Tamil Nadu and Sri Lanka brought heavy rains to many parts of this state and neighbouring Puducherry, in the last 24 hours, he said.
“Widespread rains are likely in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry in the next three days, with the possibility of heavy showers in one or two places.”S Balachandran
While many areas in the state including Chennai and Puducherry received rains in the last 24 hours, some parts received heavy showers, he said.
According to PTI, he also added that in Tamil Nadu, Kattummannarkoil in Cuddalore district and Kullambady in Tiruchirappally recorded the highest rainfall of 11 cm each in this period.
Heavy rain has been pounding the temple town of Rameswaram in Ramanathapuram district since Wednesday night causing hardship to pilgrims.
Also, fishermen from the district could not venture into the sea owing to the rainfall and rough sea, fishermen association office-bearers told PTI.
Meanwhile, the state government has initiated measures following an India Meteorological Department forecast that Tamil Nadu may receive heavy to very heavy rainfall in most places and extremely heavy rainfall in some areas on 7 October.
Officials said district collectors have been issued instructions, asking them to take required precautionary action, adding meetings have already been called to review monsoon preparedness.
(With inputs from The Times of India, The News Minute and PTI)
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