THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Monsoon is likely to reach South East Bay of Bengal, South Andaman Sea and Nicobar Islands in the next 36 hours. The Central Meteorological Department also said that monsoon is likely to reach Kerala by May 31. Cyclone is prevailing over South Tamil Nadu. A low pressure area has formed from south Chhattisgarh to south Karnataka.

Another low pressure area is extending from Marathwada through South Tamil Nadu to Cyclone, resulting in moderate/moderate rains with thunder/lightning/wind (49-50 km/hr) in Kerala for the next 6-7 days, the Meteorological Department has warned.

The Central Meteorological Department has said that very heavy rain is likely at isolated places from today to Tuesday and heavy/very heavy rain at isolated places from May 19 to 22. The first low pressure of the season is likely to form over Southwest Bay of Bengal by Wednesday. According to the Central Meteorological Department, it is likely to move in the north-east direction and strengthen as an extreme low pressure in the central Bay of Bengal.

A police officer has been suspended for helping the accused in the Panthirankav domestic violence case to leave the country. The action is against the senior civil police officer Sharat Lal who helped Rahul to leave the country. The action was taken after the investigation found that it was Sharath Lal who gave the instructions to the accused Rahul to escape.

The process of suspending Sharath Lal from work was completed by last night itself. Then an order was issued in this regard. On the day of the incident, CPO Sharath Lal was on duty at Pandirankav station. He informed Rahul about the move to charge him with attempt to murder.

A policeman close friend of Sharathlal, Rajesh who was arrested the other day. The investigation also found that Rahul and Rajesh met him on their way to Bengaluru.

Meanwhile, the accused Rahul’s mother and sister filed an anticipatory bail application in the case. The bail application was filed in Kozhikode District Sessions Court.

Co-accused Rajesh was produced in the court on the last day of the case. Rajesh was booked under Section 212 of the IPC for aiding and abetting the accused Rahul. ACP Saju P Abraham informed that the process to find Rahul has been started. He added that if the report is received in Blue Corner Notice, Yellow Corner Notice will be issued. Rajesh helped the accused to reach Bangalore.

Rajesh was with Rahul Gopal when he attacked the victim. Rajesh revealed to the police that Rahul had reached Germany via Singapore. The Blue Corner Notice issued against Rahul was to collect information from countries like Singapore and Germany.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued warnings of heavy to extremely heavy rainfall in Kerala over the next three days. Four districts in particular are on high alert:

• Red Alert: Alappuzha, Kottayam, Idukki, and Pathanamthitta districts can expect extremely heavy rainfall exceeding 20 cm in a 24-hour period.
• Orange Alert: Ernakulam, Kollam, and Thiruvananthapuram districts are forecast to receive very heavy rainfall.
• Yellow Alert: All other districts in Kerala are under a yellow alert for heavy rainfall.

The IMD predicts the southwest monsoon will reach Kerala by May 31st, slightly earlier than the usual June 1st arrival date. Several weather systems are contributing to the current and upcoming heavy rainfall, including a cyclonic circulation over south Tamil Nadu and low-pressure systems over central India.

The IMD has also indicated a possibility of the season’s first low-pressure system forming in the southwest Bay of Bengal around May 22nd. This system is expected to move northeast and intensify into a deep low-pressure system over the central Bay of Bengal.

Residents in Kerala are advised to stay alert and follow instructions from local authorities. Those living in hilly or low-lying areas may need to evacuate to safer locations if flooding becomes a threat.

IDUKKI, Kerala – May 19, 2024: Authorities in Idukki district have imposed a night travel curfew in the wake of heavy rainfall and potential landslides. The curfew will be in effect from 7 pm tonight to 6 am tomorrow, and will remain until the red alert for heavy rain is withdrawn.

This follows a similar night travel ban implemented in Pathanamthitta district, which remains in effect until Thursday.

Kerala Braces for Monsoon Fury:

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for Pathanamthitta district, warning of extremely heavy rainfall exceeding 20 cm in 24 hours. Residents are urged to exercise extreme caution as there’s a high chance of landslides and mudslides.

Orange alerts indicating very heavy rainfall are in place for Thiruvananthapuram, Idukki, Malappuram, and Kozhikode districts. The remaining districts are under a yellow alert for moderate rain.

Preparations Underway in Pathanamthitta:

In anticipation of the heavy downpour, Pathanamthitta district officials are taking extensive precautionary measures. Authorities have identified potential evacuation zones and prepared relief camps to house residents in areas susceptible to landslides and mudslides. A total of 44 locations across the state have been flagged as high-risk for natural disasters.

Travel Restrictions and Quarry Ban:

Night travel restrictions are also in place for Thiruvananthapuram’s hilly regions, allowing only essential services to operate. Additionally, quarrying activities have been banned in Thiruvanthapuram, Pathanamthitta, and Idukki districts.

The IMD attributes the ongoing heavy rainfall to a cyclonic circulation over Tamil Nadu. The department predicts the formation of a low-pressure system over the Bay of Bengal by Wednesday.

Monsoon Arrives Soon:

The IMD forecasts the southwest monsoon to reach the south-central Bay of Bengal, south Andaman Sea, and Nicobar Islands within the next 36 hours. The monsoon is expected to hit Kerala by May 31st.

Stay Safe, Kerala!

Residents are advised to avoid travel in areas experiencing heavy rainfall and to exercise caution, especially in landslide-prone regions. Closely follow advisories issued by local authorities and don’t hesitate to seek shelter in relief camps if necessary.

Thiruvananthapuram: KSRTC’s new scheme is a relief to those traveling in scorching heat. In association with the government initiative Hilli Aqua, the passengers will be assured of clean drinking water. The system of providing fresh water inside the bus will be implemented in all services from super fast to high range at a rate of Rs 15 per litre. Also, other passengers can directly buy fresh water from KSRTC bus stands.

KSRTC will also set up a bulk purchasing system. For this, steps have been taken to provide fresh water at the wholesale price of Rs 10 per litre. Now private companies are selling bottled water at Rs 20 per litre. Officials informed that when KSRTC started such an initiative, it chose the most trusted government-owned Hilli Aqua brand with the intention of providing clean and standardized water to the passengers at a low cost.

In case of bird flu or avian influenza (H5N1) found in ducks in Pathanamthitta, the situation was assessed under the leadership of Health Minister Veena George. The health department, district administration and animal welfare department are carrying out coordinated activities. A high-level team of the state health department will visit the district tomorrow. Precautions should be taken to prevent bird flu from infecting humans. Everyone should strictly follow the guidelines given by the health department. Special monitoring of fever and other symptoms in affected areas. The minister clarified that there is no need to worry and caution should be exercised.

Guidelines have been issued under the leadership of the District Medical Officer. Those who come into contact with birds infected with avian influenza should strictly observe quarantine. Those who come in contact with them should strictly follow the guidelines given by the health department. Any bird deaths should be reported immediately. One Health will also provide the services of trained volunteers. Anyone who has handled birds, is involved in extermination activities, or farmers who report any form of fever should inform health workers. People in these areas should notify their doctor if they develop respiratory problems.

A dog that attacked eight people in Muvattupuzha, Ernakulam has been diagnosed with rabies. Eight people, including children, were bitten by a dog in different wards of the city last Thursday. The dog, which was locked in an iron cage in the municipal compound, died last day.

Rabies infection was confirmed in the post-mortem report. The dog attack that shook the village happened around 9 am on Thursday. This dog attacked goats and cows. Eight people who were injured in the dog attack were treated at Muvattupuzha General Hospital. A team from Kottayam arrived and caged the dog. Then the dog died on Sunday while the dog was under surveillance in the municipal compound.

In the case of confirmed rabies, it has been decided to vaccinate all the stray dogs in Muvattupuzha municipality in the coming days. A special team will arrive from Kottayam for vaccination. After the council meeting, the municipal chairman said that stray dogs in four wards of the city will be caught and shifted to a special safe center.