Thiruvananthapuram: Strong winds and heavy rains pounding many areas of Kerala on Tuesday, especially in the northern districts, caused extensive waterlogging and pushed some areas to take preventative evacuation steps.
Both urban and high-range areas of Kozhikode district experienced heavy overnight rainfall as the southwest monsoon continued to be active over the state, PTI reported.
Television visuals showed inundated roads and waterlogging in parts of Kozhikode city, including the beach road area, disrupting normal life and affecting several eateries operating in the locality.
In Thrissur district, authorities shifted five families from the Areshwaram area in Mattathur village panchayat to a relief camp opened at a local government school, following concerns over a possible landslide in the region.
Sudden strong winds caused widespread damage in parts of Thrissur district in the morning, uprooting trees and damaging vehicles, local people said.
The whirlwind struck areas including Vilvattom, Nadathara and Poochatty by around 8.45 am.
The uprooted trees fell onto the parking area of a local school, damaging several vehicles there, local people said.
Students arriving at the school at the time had a narrow escape, they added.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) said thunderstorms accompanied by moderate rainfall and gusty winds reaching speeds of up to 40 kmph were likely at one or two places in Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Idukki, Ernakulam, Thrissur, Palakkad, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur and Kasaragod districts.
The weather agency also forecast light rainfall at isolated places in the remaining districts of the state.
Authorities have advised people living in vulnerable areas to remain vigilant in view of the continuing monsoon activity.