Rain in Kerala: IMD revises forecast, yellow alert in 6 districts; control rooms open

Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala will experience heavy rains, thundershowers and strong winds on Saturday and Sunday. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast rainfall levels between 115.6 mm and 204.4 mm over the next 24 hours. This intensified rainfall is attributed to the formation of a cyclonic circulation over the southeastern Arabian Sea near southern Kerala. Code yellow was issued for Ernakulam, Idukki, Thrissur, Palakkad, Malappuram and Kozhikode districts on Saturday.

Control rooms were set up across the state to manage emergencies during the incessant heavy rains on Friday. An emergency meeting was held under the leadership of General Education Minister V Sivankutty to review the monsoon preparedness of Thiruvananthapuram, during which officials reviewed the current situation in the region.

Minister for the Welfare of Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and Backward Classes OR Kelu has directed officials to provide necessary facilities in tribal areas. Considering that mountainous and urban regions may face isolation due to severe weather, officials and field promoters are instructed to visit the affected areas and take immediate action. The minister also directed department directors to prepare comprehensive arrangements for management of rain-related issues and coordinate relief activities with the district administration and local bodies.

Restrictions on tourist attractions in Kottayam
The Kottayam District Collector has ordered a ban on entry to tourist spots such as Ilaveezhapoonchira, Illikkal Kallu and Marmala Waterfalls till October 26. Moreover, all mining activities in Kottayam district have been suspended till October 26 due to heavy rain warnings, following the orders of the District Disaster Management Authority Chairman, District Collector John V Samuel.

Safety advice
Residents in areas prone to landslides, mudslides and flash floods should remain vigilant and move to safe locations as advised. Those living in homes with unstable roofs or structures are urged to take extra caution due to the risk of high winds and avoid potential hazards such as fallen trees or damaged utility poles. As river and reservoir levels rise, the public is advised not to enter the water, and travel to high-altitude tourist spots is discouraged. There is also a fishing ban along the coasts of Kerala and Lakshadweep.

Control room information
Control rooms have been opened in every district and across the state. The free emergency numbers are 1077 and 1070.

Contact numbers for Thiruvananthapuram Taluks:

Thiruvananthapuram: 0471-2462006, 9497711282
Neyyattinkara: 0471-2222227, 9497711283
Kattakkada: 0471-2291414, 9497711284
Nedumangad: 0472-2802424, 9497711285
Varkala: 0470-2613222, 9497711286
Chirayinkeezhu: 0470-2622406, 9497711287
District Emergency Operations Centre, Thiruvananthapuram: 0471-2779000, 0471-2730063, 0471-2730045