Kerala rains: IMD issues red alert for Wayanad, Kozhikode districts

Mangalore Today News Network

Kerala, Aug 06, 2020: A red alert for extremely heavy rainfall has been issued by the weather department for Wayanad, Kozhikode districts in Kerala. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a red alert for extreme heavy rainfall (over 20 cm) for Kozhikode and Wayanad on Thursday and orange (6 cm to 20 cm) for various other districts in the state.

With torrential rains lashing several parts of Kerala, particularly the hilly Wayanad and Idukki districts, low-lying areas have been inundated.

People living in hilly areas have also been shifted to relief camps.

Three people, including two children, have died so far in rain-related incidents in Kerala, officials said on Wednesday.

As the current heavy spells continued and more forecast in coming days, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Wednesday said district authorities have been asked to take all necessary steps to face any eventualities.

The IMD said Mananthavady in Wayanad district recorded the maximum of 15 cm of rainfall, while Munnar and Myladumparain Idukki clocked 12 cm and 11 cm respectively on Wednesday.

Ottapalam in Palakkad and Vythiri (Wayanad) recorded 10 cm each as per the readings recorded at 8.30 am on Wednesday.

With the three deaths due to incidents of drowning, landslides and tree fall since Tuesday night, the toll since the onset of the four-month long South West Monsoon that set in on June 1 has risen to 31, officials said.

Of the 31 fatalities, Kozhikode district has reported the highest of 10 among the districts. A red alert for extreme heavy rainfall (over 20 cm) has been issued for Kozhikode and Wayanad on Thursday and orange (6 cm to 20 cm) for various other districts in the state.