**Orange Alert Issued for Kerala Districts Amid Heavy Rainfall Warnings**
Residents of Kasaragod, Kannur, Wayanad, and Kozhikode districts in Kerala are on high alert today, May 19, as an orange alert has been issued due to forecasts of heavy rainfall and potential flooding. In light of these warnings, the state government is intensifying its preparations to address possible weather-related emergencies.
A high-level review meeting, chaired by the Chief Minister, was held to evaluate the monsoon preparedness across various departments. Revenue Minister K Rajan, who led the session, emphasized the urgency for district administrations to complete all pre-monsoon tasks and to hold district-level planning meetings by May 20.
“Each district must develop a regional action plan to manage monsoon-related disasters effectively. It is crucial to ensure that incident response systems at both district and taluk levels are activated promptly,” the minister stated.
Key directives from the meeting included updating disaster risk assessments, conducting regular review meetings, cleaning drains and canals, and preparing relief camps. Authorities are urging the public to remain vigilant and cooperate with local officials. Local bodies have been assigned the task of revising lists of residents living in disaster-prone areas at both panchayat and village levels. Additionally, special district-level reviews will be conducted monthly from June to September, led by the district collector or the minister in charge.
The government has mandated that all departments adhere to the protocols outlined in the State Disaster Management Authority’s Orange Book. Immediate actions include the pre-monsoon cleaning of drains, culverts, and small canals to prevent waterlogging. Hazard-prone trees, loose hoardings, electric poles, and similar structures must be secured. Local self-governments are also responsible for ensuring rapid garbage clearance and initiating extensive mosquito control measures before the rainfall intensifies.
Health centers have been instructed to implement a comprehensive hospital safety action plan to maintain functionality during floods or other disasters. The government is also identifying buildings to serve as relief camps, ensuring they are equipped with essential amenities such as clean toilets, electricity, and kitchens. The locations of these camps will be widely publicized. Emergency response teams will be reactivated, with a renewed focus on training in rescue operations, first aid, and camp management.
The Public Works Department, in collaboration with the National Highway Authority, will develop a joint action plan to address waterlogging issues along highway stretches. Districts will establish special teams to oversee urban drainage systems and ensure unobstructed water flow.
The meeting included participation from key ministers and top bureaucrats, including Chief Secretary A Jayathilak and Additional Chief Secretary Rajan Khobragade, along with district collectors and departmental heads.
**FAQ**
**What should residents do during the orange alert in Kerala?**
Residents are advised to stay alert, cooperate with local officials, and follow safety guidelines issued by authorities to prepare for potential flooding and heavy rainfall.
