Why Did IMD Issue a Red Alert for 5 Districts in Kerala?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- The IMD has issued a red alert for heavy rainfall in five Kerala districts.
- Emergency measures are being coordinated in Wayanad.
- Warnings of high waves and potential sea erosion have been issued for coastal areas.
- Residents are urged to remain vigilant and follow official advisories.
- Historical landslides in Wayanad underscore the importance of preparedness.
Thiruvananthapuram, May 25 (NationPress) The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has raised a red alert for five districts in Kerala, namely Kasaragod, Kannur, Wayanad, Kozhikode, and Malappuram, indicating the forecast of heavy to very heavy rainfall.
All other districts in the state are under an orange alert.
The IMD predicts these areas will experience rainfall amounts between 7 cm and 20 cm within the next 24 hours.
In light of the escalating rainfall, a control room has been established in Meppadi, located in Wayanad district, to manage emergency responses and closely monitor the evolving situation.
Moreover, the IMD has also announced a red alert for 11 additional districts on Monday, including Kasaragod, Kannur, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Malappuram, Palakkad, Thrissur, Ernakulam, Kottayam, Idukki, and Pathanamthitta.
This alert indicates the possibility of very heavy to extremely heavy rainfall, urging residents to remain vigilant and adhere to official guidance.
In addition, the National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS) has alerted coastal areas about high waves and potential sea erosion. On the Kerala coastline, wave heights are anticipated to reach between 3.1 and 4.2 metres until 8 p.m. on Monday, raising concerns about sea intrusion and erosion.
Similarly, high waves of 3.0 to 3.6 metres are expected along the coastal stretch from Neerodi to Arokiapuram in the Kanyakumari district of Tamil Nadu until 8.30 p.m. on Monday, increasing the risk of sea erosion in those areas as well. Authorities have advised fishermen and coastal residents in both states to exercise caution, refrain from going into the sea, and stay informed with official weather updates.
It is worth noting that during the 2024 monsoon, severe landslides occurred in Wayanad, resulting in the tragic loss of over 250 lives due to intense rainfall. The state disaster management agency is implementing significant precautions, with SDRF teams on standby for any serious incidents during the rainfall.