With heavy rains lashing many parts of the state, the Kerala government announced on Monday that emergency operation centres are now open in all district and taluk offices to handle urgent situations.
Special Directions and Alerts
Special instructions have been issued to alert tourists visiting the southern state about the rain situation, according to state Revenue Minister K Rajan. He emphasized the need for strict rules in hilly areas due to possible landslide threats.
Landslide Warnings
"The Disaster Management Authority has warned that mudslides could occur on roads due to heavy rains," he told reporters. Safety signs will be installed in such areas to alert travelers about potential landslides, he added.
Night Travel Ban
District collectors have been tasked with imposing a night travel ban in hilly areas if necessary, Rajan explained. "The 24x7 Emergency Operation Centres are operational in all collectorates and taluk offices, coordinating various departments to manage all urgent situations," the revenue minister added.
Impact of Heavy Rains
On Monday, intense water logging, uprooted trees, and downed electric wires were reported in various places across the state due to heavy rains.
Health Department Warning
Health Minister Veena George stated that the Health Department has warned all districts about the possible outbreak of diseases due to ongoing heavy rains. "Many epidemics are likely because of climate change. Hospitals have been alerted. Instructions have been given to ensure the availability of medicines," she said in a statement.
Weather Alerts
The India Meteorological Department issued a red alert on Sunday for four districts in Kerala: Pathanamthitta, Kottayam, Idukki, and Alappuzha, predicting extremely heavy rainfall until May 21. An orange alert has also been issued for Thiruvananthapuram and Kollam districts until Tuesday.
Advisories for Residents
As heavy rains pose potential dangers, the Kerala State Disaster Management Authority has advised people to stay alert. A red alert means heavy to extremely heavy rain of over 20 cm in 24 hours, while an orange alert indicates very heavy rain. A yellow alert signals heavy rainfall between 6 cm and 11 cm.
