The Met Department has withdrawn its warning of heavy rainfall for Kerala and Lakshadweep for the time being but will be on the lookout for adverse weather conditions in the wake of cyclonic storm Phailin, which is expected to make landfall over India on Saturday.
“The heavy rainfall warning has been withdrawn as no situation exists right now for issuing such a warning. We will analyse the situation on Saturday and if needed, the warning will be re-issued,” K Santosh, director, Meteorological Centre here told Express. However, wind speed will be on the rise and warning has been issued to fishermen.
“Strong onshore winds from northwesterly direction with speed occasionally reaching 45 to 55 kmph is likely along the Kerala coast and over Lakshadweep till Saturday,” according to the IMD’s daily weather bulletin.
Meanwhile, the Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA) has also assessed the situation in the wake of the impending cyclonic storm Phailin. “Since the cyclone track does not fall over Kerala, there is no cause for panic.
However, heavy rain can be expected, for which various district administrations have been put on alert,” Sekhar L Kuriakose, Head of the Hazard Vulnerability Risk Assessment Cell of KSDMA said.
“In case of heavy rainfall, there will be a corresponding rise in the level of water in the reservoirs. Except for dams in Pathanamthitta which are close to total capacity, the water level in major reservoirs in Idukki are not expected to rise significantly due to the rain,” he said.
“We are keeping track of the situation and will issue warnings in case the need arises,” Kuriakose said.