Kerala on high alert as depression in Arabian Sea deepens; fishermen warned not to venture into sea

Three months after Cyclone Ockhi ravaged Kerala coast, the state government on Tuesday warned fishermen not to venture into the seas for the next 48 hours as depression in the Arabian Sea has deepened further.

According to MeT officials, a warning has been issued as the depression situated 390 kms south-west of Thiruvananthapuram has intensified further.

The department has predicted heavy rainfall in next 73 hours. “Heavy rains will be accompanied by winds with speeds of 60 kmph in south Kerala,” said Thiruvananthapuram meteorological centre director S Sudevan.

“Warnings have been issued, especially in the south. We were informed about the intensifying depresion,” Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said.

He also added that they are in regular touch with all departments to prevent any untoward incidents.

Meanwhile, the state’s chief secretary Paul Antony met senior officers of various departments to review preparations.

“We have asked all fishermen who have ventured into the sea to return,” said Antony.

He also added that they are coordinating with the Coast guards and Navy to monitor the situation in the sea.