As Kerala prepares to celebrate its biggest festival with full grandiosity, severe weather conditions threaten to disrupt the festive spirit across the state. A low-pressure system developing over the North-West Bay of Bengal is set to trigger heavy rainfall precisely during the key dates of Onam. The festivities commence with First Onam on August 25, followed by the main festival day, Thiruvanam, on August 26, after which the third and fourth Onam celebrations are slated to take place.
IMD Issues Yellow Alerts Across Multiple Districts
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has sounded alerts regarding torrential downpours across several regions in the state over the coming days. On Monday, a Yellow Alert was declared in eight specific districts: Kasaragod, Kannur, Thrissur, Idukki, Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, and Ernakulam. The weather department expects atmospheric instability to persist throughout Kerala, with three districts remaining under Yellow Alert on Tuesday as well.
This sudden turn in weather comes at an inconvenient moment, as markets, decorated streets, and shopping venues are packed with families gathering supplies for the traditional Onam feast and preparing for public cultural gatherings. In Kerala, Onam is celebrated as much in public spaces as it is at home, leading officials to closely monitor the evolving weather patterns during this crucial phase of the festival.
High Waves and Kallakkadal Alert Along Coastal Belts
In addition to interior rainfall, the coastal stretches of Kerala face severe marine hazards. Authorities have imposed a complete ban on all fishing activities along the coasts of Kerala and Lakshadweep due to powerful sea winds and heavy precipitation. The Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS) has cautioned against potential coastal flooding caused by the 'Kallakkadal' phenomenon. Marine forecasts indicate swelling waves reaching heights between 0.9 and 1.3 meters along the Kerala shoreline, expected to persist until 11:30 PM on Monday night.
Safety Advisories Issued for Residents and Tourists
Given the precarious conditions along the coastline, administrative agencies have issued strict advisories targeting local residents, fishermen, and visiting tourists. Members of the public are urged to stay away from beach areas and refrain from any water-based recreational activities until all official warnings are formally withdrawn. Fishermen have been instructed to keep all motorized and non-motorized fishing craft anchored securely in harbor docks to prevent damage or loss during rough sea conditions.
