IMD has given a red alert (Extremely heavy rainfall warning) to Ernakulam, Idukki, Thrissur, Kozhikode, and Kannur districts in Kerala for Monday. The metrological agency has also given an orange alert for all districts other than Kasargod.
Waterlogging was reported from Kochi as pre-monsoon rains battered several parts of the state. Meanwhile, the district administration has begun evacuating people living in low-lying areas and moving them to safer places. Authorities have also been instructed to open rescue centers.
Following IMD’s forecast and warning, the Kerala chief secretary held a meeting with concerned departments. A 24-hour control room is now operational in places easily prone to flooding.
Five National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams have been deployed in vulnerable districts — Idukki, Ernakulam, Malappuram, Kozhikode, and Wayanad, following requests from the Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA).
State revenue minister K Rajan said, “We are on high alert and have made all arrangements to meet any emergency.” Revenue and police officials are also keenly watching the development. He added that dams are under permissible levels. Hence people need not panic.
In 2021, Kerala received its highest ever rainfall in six decades, whereas in 2018, the state saw the worst ever floods in a century, killing over 400 people.