An orange alert has been sounded for five other districts — Ernakulam, Idukki, Thrissur, Palakkad, and Kasaragod.
Published Dec 02, 2024 | 9:47 AM ⚊ Updated Dec 02, 2024 | 10:40 AM
Cloud formation over South India on 2 December. (IMD)
The India Meteorological Department IMD issued a red alert for Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, and Kannur districts in Kerala on Monday, 2 December, in the wake of heavy rainfall induced by cyclone Fengal.
The department also predicted extremely heavy rainfall exceeding 204.4 mm in this region.
Meanwhile, an orange alert has been sounded for five other districts — Ernakulam, Idukki, Thrissur, Palakkad, and Kasaragod — where rainfall is expected to range between 115.6 mm and 204.4 mm.
In light of the forecast, authorities have announced a holiday for all educational institutions in Kottayam, Idukki, Wayanad, Pathanamthitta, and Kannur districts on Monday.
This includes anganwadis, tuition centres, schools, and professional colleges. However, pre-scheduled examinations will proceed as planned.
Residential institutions in Idukki operating entirely as hostels are exempted from the closure order. The IMD forecasts widespread rain or thundershowers across Kerala until 7 December.
Residents are urged to stay updated on weather advisories and take necessary precautions as adverse conditions persist.
At around 5.30 on Sunday, cyclone Fengal weakened into a depression and moved away from the shores of North coastal Tamil Nadu and Puducherry.
A red alert indicates heavy to extremely heavy rain of over 20 cm in 24 hours, while an orange alert means very heavy rain of 11 cm to 20 cm, and a yellow alert means heavy rainfall between 6 cm and 11 cm.
Meanwhile, the Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA) issued guidelines to ensure safety during such conditions.
It advised that strong winds can lead to falling trees and damaged utility poles, posing significant risks.
“Residents are strongly advised to stay updated through official channels and follow all safety protocols to minimise risks during disasters,” the KSDMA said in a release.
It also urged the residents in disaster-prone regions to prepare an emergency kit without delay.
“With red, orange, and yellow alerts announced in several districts, it is vital to understand their significance and prepare accordingly,” it added.
(Edited by Muhammed Fazil with inputs from Sreelakshmi Soman.)
