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The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a yellow alert for heavy rainfall in nine districts of Kerala, namely Ernakulam, Idukki, Thrissur, Palakkad, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur, and Kasaragod. The alert is in effect for Thursday, with rain or thundershowers predicted to continue until August 2nd.
The heavy rainfall has already caused significant damage in Kannur, where strong winds have wreaked havoc. Around 320 houses have been damaged, and traffic and electricity supply have been disrupted. Over 2,000 electric posts have collapsed, leaving 3 lakh customers without power. The heavy rainfall has also resulted in significant crop loss and damage to parked vehicles.
In response to the heavy rainfall, educational institutions in Kasaragod, Kannur, Wayanad, Kozhikode, Malappuram, Palakkad, Thrissur, Ernakulam, and Pathanamthitta districts, along with Kanjirappally and Meenachil taluks in Kottayam, will remain closed. This decision comes after the IMD upgraded its orange alerts to red level for Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur, and Kasaragod on Wednesday evening.
The IMD has also issued alerts for strong winds with speeds reaching 30-40kmph, gusting to 50kmph, which are likely to prevail occasionally until August 1st. The Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS) has also issued high-wave alerts for Alappuzha, Kannur, Kasaragod, Kollam, Kozhikode, and Thiruvananthapuram.
Furthermore, the Central Water Commission has issued orange alerts for rivers at various stations in Idukki, Thrissur, Palakkad, and Malappuram districts. Residents living near the river banks are advised to remain vigilant due to the potential for flooding.
The heavy rainfall and strong winds pose a significant threat to Kerala, with the potential for widespread damage and disruptions. The authorities are urging residents to take necessary precautions and stay informed about the latest weather updates.
Source: Rainfall Alert: Heavy Rainfall Alert for 9 Districts in Kerala