As heavy rains continued in Kerala, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a red alert for seven districts on Tuesday. The weather department issued red alerts for Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Ernakulam, and Idukki districts.
In light of the development, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan convened a meeting of District Collectors to assess rain damage and coordinate relief efforts, according to a release from the Chief Minister's Office (CMO).
According to the release, the CM has advised people to be extremely cautious, not to bathe, wash clothes, or bathe animals in rivers, water bodies, or streams, to avoid night travel as much as possible, and to strictly follow the warnings issued by the Disaster Management Authority.
The police, fire department, and other government agencies have been instructed to be on high alert, fishermen have been advised not to go into the sea under any circumstances, and people living in landslide-prone areas have been asked to evacuate and relocate to relief camps, according to the statement.
Six people have died as a result of rain-related incidents, according to the Chief Minister. According to Vijayan, five houses have been completely destroyed, while 55 others have been partially destroyed.
Today, the IMD has also issued orange alerts for four districts across the state. For August 3, the weather service issued a red alert in 11 districts and an orange alert in two. For August 4, the state has issued a red alert in nine districts and an orange alert in three.
Meanwhile, Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) chief and MP K Sudhakaran urged all party workers to assist in relief and rescue efforts in light of the state's heavy rains.
A red alert indicates heavy to extremely heavy rains of more than 20 cm in 24 hours, while an orange alert indicates very heavy rains ranging from 6 cm to 20 cm. A yellow alert indicates heavy rainfall of 6 to 11 cm.
