Heavy rains to lash Kerala for next three days, alert in low lying area

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Heavy to very heavy rains are expected to lash parts of Kerala till May 15 and thundershowers are likely in most parts of the state till May 16. The latest nowcast of Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) also alerts thunderstorm accompanied by gusty winds to affect Thiruvananthapuram, Idukki, Pathanamthitta, Kollam, Alappuzha, Kottayam Ernakulam, Thrissur, Wayanad and Kozhikode districts.
With intermittent heavy rains and squally winds since the last few days, Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA) has alerted residents in low lying areas to be cautious with the rising water levels in rivers and that shutters of dams such as Aruvikkara were opened by Major Irrigation department to release excess water. KSDMA has also alerted thunderstorm and lightning in parts of the state.

“Residents in low lying areas have to be cautious due to rising water levels in dams and rivers. Water level in Karamana River is increasing and residents in the vicinity have to be very cautious. Shutters of Aruvikkara dam and sand bars at Poonthura and Veli have been opened which is a cause for caution. Now, with heavy to very heavy rains in parts of the state for the next two days based on IMD forecast, people in vulnerable areas have to be vigilant,” KSDMA official said.

“Rain or thunder showers are forecast in parts of Kerala and Lakshadweep till May 16 and for the next three days heavy rains in the range of 7 to 11 cm are likely in parts of the state,” said IMD director K Santosh here. In the last 24 hours, Vaikom in Kottayam received the maximum 7 cm rains. Palakkad and Kozhikode recorded the highest maximum temperature of 35 degree Celsius.

With heavy rains during the pre-monsoon phase ahead of South West Monsoon, Kerala need not be wary of water deficit or drought as feared earlier, officials said. Already, during the season from March 1 to May 9, Kerala has received 31 percent excess rains with 243.9 mm actual rainfall as against the normal rainfall of 185.5 mm, IMD officials told TOI on Friday.