The India Meteorological Department has placed five Kerala districts under an orange alert, warning of isolated very heavy rainfall over the next 24 hours as intense rain, thunder and lightning affect several parts of the state. Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha and Kottayam are covered by the warning.
The IMD has also issued a yellow alert for Idukki, Ernakulam, Thrissur, Palakkad and Malappuram, where isolated heavy rainfall measuring between 64.5 mm and 115.5 mm is likely. An orange alert indicates very heavy rainfall between 115.6 mm and 204.4 mm, while a yellow alert denotes heavy rainfall between 64.5 mm and 115.5 mm.
The Kerala State Disaster Management Authority said precautionary sirens would sound on Wednesday evening in the five orange-alert districts. It urged residents in landslide-, mudslide- and flash-flood-prone areas to move to safer locations when directed by authorities.
People living along riverbanks and downstream of dams were advised to relocate if instructed to do so. The disaster management authority also asked residents in vulnerable areas to check the availability of relief camps and move to them during daylight hours in coordination with local self-government and revenue authorities.
The advisories carry direct implications for movement across roads, bridges and low-lying areas. The KSDMA asked residents to avoid unnecessary travel during intense rainfall and to postpone trips to waterfalls, other water bodies and hilly areas until the warnings are withdrawn. Motorists were told not to drive through flooded stretches or attempt to cross overflowing waterways, and to exercise caution on roads near water bodies and on sections undergoing repair.
The authority warned people not to cross rivers or enter water bodies for bathing, fishing or other activities during heavy rain. It also cautioned against gathering on bridges to take photographs or selfies, a recurring safety concern during periods of swollen rivers and fast-moving water.
The IMD has advised against fishing along the Kerala and Lakshadweep coasts from October 21 to 25 because of the prevailing weather conditions. The restriction affects fishing activity along the coast and forms part of the wider precautionary response to the weather system.
Taluk- and district-level control rooms are functioning around the clock across Kerala, the KSDMA said. Residents seeking assistance or reporting potential dangers can contact the toll-free numbers 1077 and 1070.
The immediate response places responsibility on district and local authorities to communicate evacuation instructions, maintain access to relief facilities and respond to hazards in vulnerable settlements. Residents in the alert areas have been advised to follow official directions and avoid exposed locations until the warnings are withdrawn.
