Cyclone Fani: IMD declares yellow alert for five districts in Kerala on Tuesday

Yellow alert has been declared in Ernakulam, Idukki, Thrissur, Malappuram and Wayanad districts on April 30.

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In the wake of cyclone Fani which is likely to intensify into a very severe cyclonic storm in the coming 24 hours, the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a yellow alert in five districts of Kerala on April 30.

Yellow alert has been declared on Tuesday in Ernakulam, Idukki, Thrissur, Malappuram and Wayanad districts. IMD had earlier issued yellow alert in four districts – Palakkad, Malappuram, Kozhikode and Wayanad – for Monday.

Heavy rainfall in isolated places is expected in the districts where yellow alert has been issued. The rainfall will measure from 64.5 mm to 115.5 mm and has been predicted in one to 25 stations in each district.

IMD has also predicted that rest of the districts in the state will receive light to moderate rainfall till May 2.

Warnings have also been given to fishermen in the state as high swell waves in the range of 1.5 - 2.2 meters have been predicted along the coasts of Kerala and Lakshadweep. “Squally wind speed reaching from 40-50 kmph gusting to 60 kmph has been predicted on April 29 and 30 along and off Kerala coast. Fishermen are advised not to venture into the sea area along and off Kerala coast, Comorin area and Gulf of Mannar on 29th and 30th,” said an IMD release.

Those fishermen who are in deep sea in the above areas are also asked to return to the shores.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday tweeted that he has urged officials to take required preventive measures.

Spoke to officials regarding the situation arising due to Cyclone Fani. Asked them to take preventive measures and be prepared to provide all possible assistance. Also urged them to work closely with Governments of the affected states.

Praying for everyone's safety and wellbeing. — Chowkidar Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 29, 2019

The Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA) has also issued warnings in the wake of the yellow alert. Travelling to hilly terrains in Ernakulam, Idukki, Thrissur, Malappuram and Wayanad district from dusk to dawn hours has been restricted by KSDMA. It has also given instruction that those who live near banks of rivers and streams that have got a history of flooding in the area, should prepare and keep an emergency kit for easy evacuation if necessary.