Kerala on high alert: Heavy rains prompt warnings, travel bans in many districts

Thiruvananthapuram: As heavy rains swept across many parts of Kerala, authorities on Sunday urged residents, especially those in hilly and coastal regions, to remain vigilant. The Meteorological Department issued red alerts for the districts of Pathanamthitta, Kottayam, and Idukki for both Sunday and Monday. Additionally, orange alerts were announced for Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Alappuzha, and Ernakulam.

The Met office forecasted thunderstorms with moderate rainfall and gusty winds reaching speeds of up to 40 km/h in Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Idukki, Ernakulam, Kannur, and Kasaragod districts until 1 pm on Sunday.

In response to the severe weather, the Idukki District Collector has imposed a ban on night travel through the district's hilly areas starting Sunday, continuing until the red and orange alerts are lifted.


"Strict instructions have been issued to the District Superintendent of Police, Sub Divisional Magistrates, Regional Transport Officers, and Tehsildars to implement the ban effectively," an official statement said.

Mining activities have been banned in Ernakulam and Kottayam districts in view of the forecast for heavy rain.

The southern district of Thiruvananthapuram experienced heavy rains on Saturday night, leading to waterlogging in the city and its suburbs, affecting normal life.

Visuals aired by news channels showed that houses and shops were flooded in some parts.

Due to the non-completion of the Smart City Road, waterlogging has worsened in many places.

In some areas, canals crisscrossing the capital city and its suburbs overflowed.

The affected people alleged that the lack of pre-monsoon cleaning of canals and drainage systems was the reason for the waterlogging in the capital city and its suburbs.

Inputs from PTI