Kerala is likely to receive intense rains this week, the Metrological department has predicted, prompting authorities to sound heavy to very heavy rain alerts in a few districts.

The weather department said a low pressure is likely to form in the southeastern part of Arabian sea on May 14. Heavy rains and strong winds have been predicted in Kerala and Lakshadweep for the next five days. The sea will be very rough.

Taking Cognizance of the situation, the Kerala government has requested everyone to follow safety guidelines issued by the Kerala State Disaster Management Authority. It has advised fishermen out in deep sea to return to the coast and also advised them not to venture into the sea. The government said yellow and orange alerts have been sounded in a few districts.

An orange code warning has been issued for Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Ernakulam and Idukki for May 14 as there is a possibility of very heavy rains between 115.6 millimetres and 204.4 mm for 24 hours.

According to the IMD, a downpour in the range of 64.5 mm and 115.5 mm is considered 'heavy rainfall' The Kerala State Disaster Management Authority has urged the people living in landslide-prone areas and coastal areas to take all precautions.

It also directed authorities to take steps to open relief camps adhering to COVID-19 protocol. People should avoid travelling through high-range areas during the night, it said.

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