Kerala on High Alert as depression in Arabian Sea intensifies

Thiruvananthapuram, March 14: Situation in Kerala has intensified as authorities have been placed on alert and fishermen advised not to venture into the sea after Indian Meterological Department reports on the formation of a depression over southeast Arabian Sea and adjoining area moving slightly north-westwards.

 

The India Meteorological Department has said a depression has been formed about 350 km from Thiruvananthapuram and it could very likely move north-westwards and intensify further into a deep depression. However, the saving grace is it is unlikely that Kerala will be hit directly.

 

While addressing the media, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said, "Warnings have been issued that under no circumstances should fishermen venture out into the sea till 15 March.”

He said all district Collectors have been alerted on the issue and elaborate arrangements put in place. Officials have been asked to be ready and, if necessary, coastal relief shelters would be opened at short notice.

State police Chief Loknath Behra told the media that Kerala was fully geared to meet any eventuality. He said, "All police officials are seized of the gravity of the situation and have been asked to be fully prepared to face any crisis, if it happens."

Senior IMD official S. Sudevan said there could be a possibility of strong winds also and said all weather warnings have been send out to all officials concerned.

Meanwhile travel in ships between Cochin and Lakshadweep is stopped temporarily .Many areas of the island and Kerala received rainfall today .The authorities and disaster management forces are directed to remain fully prepared till the danger alert is officially revoked.