As heavy rains continue to lash several parts of Kerala, the state government announced on Monday that emergency operation centres have been established in all district collectorates and taluk offices to manage any urgent situations. State Revenue Minister K Rajan emphasized that tourists visiting the southern state are being alerted about the severe weather conditions. Additionally, strict regulations are being enforced in hilly areas due to the threat of landslides.
“The Disaster Management Authority has warned of potential mudslides on the roads due to the heavy rains,” Minister Rajan stated during a press briefing.
To ensure public safety, warning boards will be installed in vulnerable areas to caution travelers about the risk of landslides, he added. District collectors have been authorized to impose night travel bans in hilly regions if necessary to prevent accidents.
“The 24×7 Emergency Operation Centres are now operational in all collectorates and taluk offices, coordinated by various departments to handle urgent situations,” Rajan noted. Meanwhile, the state faced intense waterlogging, uprooted trees, and downed power lines in several areas on Monday due to the incessant rains.
Health Minister Veena George issued a warning about the potential outbreak of epidemics due to the continuing heavy rains. “Climate change can trigger various epidemics. Hospitals have been put on alert, and instructions have been issued to ensure the availability of medicines,” she said in a statement.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a red alert on Sunday for four districts in Kerala—Pathanamthitta, Kottayam, Idukki, and Alappuzha—forecasting extremely heavy rainfall until May 21. An orange alert has been sounded for Thiruvananthapuram and Kollam districts until Tuesday.
With heavy rains posing significant hazards, the Kerala State Disaster Management Authority has urged people to remain vigilant. A red alert signifies heavy to extremely heavy rain of over 20 cm in 24 hours, an orange alert indicates very heavy rain, and a yellow alert means heavy rainfall between 6 cm and 11 cm.
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