Kochi: Keralam is expected to receive heavy to extreme rain on Sunday and Monday due to an intensifying low-pressure system, persisting over Bay of Bengal, strengthening into a severe and deep depression by Sunday. It could develop into a cyclone over the central-west Bay of Bengal by Monday morning.
India meteorological department ( IMD ) has issued a red alert (above 20cm rainfall in 24 hours) for Malappuram, Kozhikode and Wayanad on Sunday. Pathanamthitta, Kottayam, Idukki, Ernakulam, Thrissur, Palakkad and Kannur have been issued an orange warning (12-20cm rain in 24 hours) and yellow warning (7-11cm in 24 hours) for the remaining districts. Wayanad, which recorded a 53% deficiency during the Southwest monsoon, has reported excess rain in the Northeast monsoon so far. The collector said strict action would be taken against institutions that violate the order under Section 51(b) of Disaster Management Act, 2005.
IMD said extreme rainfall is very likely at one or two places in these districts. This is the first time a red alert has been issued in the state in this year’s Northeast monsoon. As IMD issued a red alert, Wayanad collector V Chelsasini, who is also the chairperson of District Disaster Management Authority, has declared a holiday for religious study classes, tuition centres and special classes in the district on Sunday. Kozhikode and Malappuram district administrations have also declared a holiday for religious study classes, tuition centres and special classes on Sunday.