Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala will experience heavy rains, thunderstorms and strong winds on Saturday and Sunday. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast rainfall levels between 115.6 mm and 204.4 mm in the next 24 hours. This intensification of rainfall is attributed to the formation of a cyclonic circulation over the southeast Arabian Sea near south Kerala. A yellow alert was issued for Ernakulam, Idukki, Thrissur, Palakkad, Malappuram and Kozhikode districts on Saturday.

Control rooms have been set up across the state to handle emergency situations amid continuous heavy rains since Friday. An urgent meeting chaired by General Education Minister V Sivankutty was held to assess Thiruvananthapuram’s preparedness for the monsoon, during which officials assessed the current situation in the region.

Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and Backward Classes Welfare Minister SAU Kelu has directed officials to provide necessary facilities in tribal areas. As mountainous and urban regions may face isolation due to severe weather, officials and land promoters are instructed to visit the affected areas and take immediate action. The minister also instructed the department heads to prepare comprehensive arrangements for managing rain-related issues and coordinate relief activities with the district administration and local bodies.

Kottayam Tourist Sites Restrictions
The Kottayam District Collector has ordered a ban on entry to tourist spots like Ilaveezhapoonchira, Illikkal Kallu and Marmala Falls till October 26. Further, all mining activities in Kottayam district are suspended till October 26 due to heavy rain alerts following an order from District Disaster Management Authority Chairman, District Collector John V Samuel.

Safety notice
Residents in areas prone to landslides, mudslides and flash floods should remain alert and move to safe places as advised. Those in homes with unstable roofs or structures are urged to take extra care due to the risk of high winds and should avoid potential hazards such as fallen trees or damaged utility poles. With rising river and reservoir levels, the public is advised to avoid entering water bodies and travel to high altitude tourist spots is discouraged. A fishing ban is also in place along the Kerala and Lakshadweep coasts.

Control room information
Control rooms have been opened in every district and taluk across the state. The free emergency numbers are 1077 and 1070.

Contact Numbers for Thiruvananthapuram Taluks:

• Thiruvananthapuram: 0471-2462006, 9497711282
• Neyyattinkara: 0471-2222227, 9497711283
• Kattakkada: 0471-2291414, 9497711284
• Nedumangad: 0472-2802424, 9497711285
• Varkala: 0470-2613222, 9497711286
• Chirayinkeezhu: 0470-2622406, 9497711287
• District Emergency Operations Centre, Thiruvananthapuram: 0471-2779000, 0471-2730063, 0471-2730045