Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said that Kerala is on high alert and fishermen are advised not to venture into the sea after Met reported on the formation of a depression over the southeast Arabian Sea with the adjoining area moving slightly north-westwards.
He stated, “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. Warnings have been issued that under no circumstances should fishermen venture out into the sea till March 15.”
He further stated that all district Collectors have been alerted on the issue and arrangements have been put in place. Officials have also been asked to be ready and, if necessary, coastal relief shelters would be opened at short notice.
State police chief Loknath Behra 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.”
