Cyclone, heavy rainfall may hit Kerala; three districts on red alert

Thiruvananthapuram: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued red alert for three districts in Kerala following the possibility of a cyclone formation by friday, due to the low-pressure in Arabian Sea.

The formation is likely to move northwestwards during the subsequent 48 hours and may develop into a cyclonic storm, IMD said on Wednesday.

The three districts on red alert are-Idukki, Palakkad and Thrissur as a heavy rainfall with Cyclone is expected to hit Kerala on October 7.

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According to a private agency 'Skymet Weather' a torrential rain is also likely to lash in the coming week. It also warned of a cyclonic storm due to low-pressure in Central Arabian Sea. This tropical storm, if happens, would be named ‘Cyclone Luban,’ a Skymet official said.

Skymet also added,‘‘The weather system would be moving in NE direction, shifting slightly away from the Indian coast. Spiral bands of this potential storm would be extending beyond 500 km, putting West Coast on alert for some torrential rains with Kerala bearing the maximum brunt.’’

Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said all the District administrations and security agencies have been alerted in view of the cyclone warning as strong winds, heavy rainfall and rough seas are expected later this week.

"The government has asked the State Disaster Management Authority to meet urgently and take precautions,’’ Pinarayi added.

"Along the coasts, the weather alert will be publicized via loudspeakers. And all the Fishermen who’re out in the sea have been instructed to make for the nearest coast by October 5,’’ said Pinarayi.

Central agencies have been asked to stand by and five additional teams of the NDRF have been requested for the state in view of the IMD warning, he said.

"If there is a possibility of flooding, people residing on the banks of rivers and canals should immediately move to the relief camps. The government has also advised the public to avoid night travel as far as possible in the high ranges. In the regions that were affected by the mid-August floods, the police would issue public alerts through loudspeakers. Instructions have also been issued to reopen the camps that were used during the floods. A state executive meeting of the SDMA will also examine the water levels of the dams in view of the weather warning and take adequate precautions," said Kerala CM.