IMD Issues Orange Alert in This State, State Machinery on High Alert

Due to strong westerly winds in the Arabian Sea, the Indian Metrological Department (IMD) has issued a heavy rain warning for Kerala for the next five days.

On May 15, the Kerala government issued an orange alert in six districts. An orange alert has been issued for Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Ernakulam, and Idukki, indicating severe to very heavy rains between 115.6mm and 204.4mm. A red alert indicates heavy to extremely heavy rains of more than 20 cm in 24 hours, while an orange alert means very heavy rains ranging from 6 to 20 cm. A yellow alert implies that 6 to 11 cm of rain is expected.

Following the rain forecast, the state has made the required preparations in all areas. Yesterday evening, the Chief Secretary convened a meeting of all related departments and urged district collectors to step up their preparations.

For flood-prone areas, a 24-hour control room has been established. It is also directed to establish camps if necessary to relocate people living in landslide and flooding-prone areas and to provide basic amenities such as food and water.

Arrangements have also been made to pump water from flooded areas. People should avoid traveling to hilly areas, while tourists should stay put and avoid traveling, according to the disaster management department. Fishermen have been warned not to venture into the sea till the rain has subsided.

The monsoon is expected to reach the southern Andaman Sea, the Nicobar Islands, and the southeastern Bay of Bengal today, according to the Central Meteorological Department.

Heatwave Predictions:

Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh will see intense heat waves on 16^th of May.

There will be no significant change in maximum temperature in Gujarat during the next 2 days, however, the temperature will rise by 2-3 degrees after that.