United States of America has asked citizens to “avoid all areas throughout Kerala affected by landslides and flash floods”.
In the weather alert issued by the U.S. State Department (Consular Affairs) through its Embassy in New Delhi and Consulates at Chennai, Hyderabad, Mumbai and Kolkata, the U.S. citizens in who are currently in Kerala have been asked to be “fully aware of the surroundings and to monitor local media for weather updates.”
“Have evacuation plans that do not rely on U.S. government assistance,” says the alert in the actions to be taken by the citizens. Heavy southwest monsoon rains continue throughout the State, triggering landslides and flash floods, the weather alert says.
“Given the above-average and ongoing precipitation in the past several weeks, some low-level areas are flooded and reservoirs have reached full capacity,” said the alert. Quoting media reports, it said that the northern districts of Palakkad, Idukki, Wayanad, Kozhikode, and Malappuram are among the most significantly affected, and mentioned the numerous weather-related deaths.
“Kerala’s Idukki dam is opening its floodgates, which could impact the downstream area along the Periyar river in Ernakulam district,” it says. The alert has also pointed out suspension of flights to Kochi.