Red alert in 3 Kerala districts with forecast of heavy rain; CM Pinarayi Vijayan seeks Centre's help

The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a fresh warning about heavy to heavy rainfall, ranging from 7-11 cms to 12-20 cms for three districts in Kerala on Sunday, October 7, 2018. The three districts which have been put on red alert are Idukki, Thrissur and Palakkad, located in the central and northern part of Kerala.

The warning, issued by the weather department, mentioned about a low-pressure area in the Arabian sea close to Sri Lankan coast. The deep depression is further expected to develop into a cyclonic storm along the coast of Lakshadweep anytime soon.

IMD has issued a warning about a low-pressure area in the Arabian sea close to Sri Lankan coast. This is likely to develop into a cyclonic storm and a warning has been issued on the same. The predicted trajectory will be along the coast of Lakshadweep: Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan pic.twitter.com/DegbBci0SY

— ANI (@ANI) October 3, 2018

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In view of this upcoming calamity, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan advised fishermen to reach safer coast by October 5. Red alert has been issued in parts of Kerala with the Disaster Management Authority trying to assess the situation. Weathermen also asked tourists not to travel to hilly regions, especially to Munnar to get a view of the Neelakurinji.

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.