Heavy rains, accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning, pounded parts of Kerala on Saturday, prompting the India Meteorological Department (IMD) to issue an orange alert in the districts of Pathanamthitta, Ernakulam, and Idukki, with isolated areas expected to receive very heavy rainfall.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) initially issued a yellow alert for several Kerala districts, predicting heavy rainfall between 6 and 11 centimeters. However, as the situation intensified, this was upgraded to an orange alert in Pathanamthitta, Ernakulam, and Idukki, forecasting rainfall between 6 and 20 centimeters in isolated areas.
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Meanwhile, eight other districts, including Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Palakkad, and Kozhikode, remain on yellow alert.
The adverse weather led to the death of a 58-year-old woman, reportedly struck by lightning in Haripad, Alappuzha district. Additionally, water flooded several homes and an Anganwadi center in Kazhakoottam near the state capital.
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Heavy rains and winds also resulted in fallen trees and flooding across multiple districts. In Chathamangalam, Kozhikode, gusty winds and downpours caused significant damage to houses and vehicles, while Ernakulam district reported multiple cases of uprooted trees.
In light of the ongoing heavy rainfall, the Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA) has advised people in landslide- and mudslide-prone areas to remain vigilant and move to safer locations if necessary. Residents near rivers and dam catchment areas have also been encouraged to relocate as per official warnings.