Rain threats wane in Kerala; warnings scaled down

Thiruvananthapuram: Prospects of cyclone and heavy waned in Kerala, offering relief to the people, who still shudder to recall the havoc caused by floods in mid-August. To add to the people's anxiety, red and orange alerts were issued in a few districts over the past few days.

The orange alert that was issued in five districs was withdrawn on Sunday.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) had predictged heavy to very heavy rainfall in some parts of the State. The State government had issued alerts on that basis and also following heavy rainfall in several places.

The depression that fomred in the Arabian sea moved northward towards south Oman, providing relief to the State. Te government aurhotiries had taken several precautionary steps including assuming control over the water management of the dams.

However, another depression over the southeast and adjoining east-central Arabian Sea developmed into a deep depression by Sunday afternoon.

As per the lates forecast, heavy rainfall at most places and very heavy rainfall in isolated places are likely in Kerala on Monday.