Cyclonic storm intensifying over Arabian Sea; heavy rainfall likely in Kerala, Karnataka, Goa, Maharashtra

Cyclonic circulations in the reiterated Arabian Sea near the coast of Oman, and Kerala is likely to cause heavy to very heavy rainfall in the next 36 hours, the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) said in a fresh warning Thursday.

Earlier, Idukki, Thrissur and Palakkad districts in Kerala have been put on red alert owing to the deep depression in the Arabian sea close to Sri Lankan coast between October 4 and 8. The depression is further expected to develop into a cyclonic storm along the coast of Lakshadweep anytime soon. Parts of coastal Karnataka, Goa and Maharashtra too may be affected.

“It is still a low-pressure area, not a cyclone as of now. It is very likely to concentrate into a depression and move north-west towards the coast of Oman in the next 36 hours. Right now, we will only experience high rainfall,” an IMD official was quoted as saying.

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If the low-pressure does intensify into a cyclone, it will be named ‘Luban’, Skymet said.

In view of this predicted trajectory in parts of Kerala, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan Wednesday advised fishermen not to venture into southeast and central Arabian Sea from October 4 onwards. Fishermen at deep sea areas of southeast and central Arabian Sea have been asked to return to the coast before October 5.

A yellow alert has been issued in most districts of Kerala from October 5th to 7th while Idukki and some isolated areas are on orange alert between 4th to 6th October. Chief Minister Vijayan also warned tourists against travelling to Munnar where the famed neelakurunji has bloomed.

Keeping in mind the safety and security of the state, Kerala government has sought support from central agencies, asking support for 5 companies of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF).

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Early in August, Kerala witnessed incessant rain and worst floods in a century. The deadly monsoon rains savaged the southern state of India, leaving over 370 people dead and thousands return to damaged homes and properties with nothing to hold on to.