Heavy rains lash Kerala again, orange alert in 8 districts

Heavy rains lashed several parts of Kerala on Thursday after a brief lull and as many as eight districts were placed under an 'orange alert' for very heay showers.

The districts of Pathanamthitta, Kottayam, Idukki, Palakkad, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad and Kannur were under an orange alert as per the lastest update of the India Meteorological Department (IMD).

"The Southwest monsoon has been active over Kerala. Rain occurred at most places in the state and at a few places in Lakshadweep," an IMD statement said.


Heavy rainfall caused floods and landslides in the south-central districts of Kerala on October 15 and 16, resulting in the loss of 42 lives and six others going missing

For now, a 'yellow alert', predicting isolated heavy rainfall, was issued for Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Alappuzha, Ernakulam, Thrissur and Kasaragod districts.

A red alert indicates heavy to extremely heavy rains of over 20 cm in 24 hours; an orange alert indicates very heavy rains from 6 cm to 20 cm; a yellow alert indicates heavy rainfall between 6 to 11 cm.

Fishermen have been advised not to venture into the sea in the state as squally weather with wind speed reaching 40-50 kmph is likely to prevail over the Kerala coast.