Large parts of Kerala affected by rains

In Kerala, widespread rain continued to wreck havoc in central and southern parts of the State. The Met Department has issued Orange alert in six districts of the state, indicating the possibility of heavy to very heavy rainfall today. Orange alert is in place in the central districts of Ernakulam, Idukki, Thrissur, and in the northern districts of Kozhikode, Kannur and Kasargod.

The Department said strong winds with speeds ranging from 40 to 50 kmph gusting to 60 kmph is likely to prevail over Kerala coast. Fishermen have been advised not to venture into the sea. Few districts have declared holidays for educational institutions in the state.

Many places received isolated heavy rainfall last evening, leading to waterlogging in low-lying areas. Several families were shifted to temporary camps. However, there is some let-up in the rain this morning.

"Four deaths were reported in various rain-related incidents in the State. Shutters of major dams raised as the water levels in rivers continue to rise. Over  2,000 people were shifted to relief camps. Authorities declared  holiday for all educational institutions in Kollam,



Pathanamthitta, Idukki, Ernakulam, Thrissur, Alappuzha, and Kottayam district today. Schools in Kasargode districts and in Negumangad and Kattakada Thaluk of Thiruvananthapuram district will also remain closed. Three teams of the National Disaster Response Force are deployed in the State and Four more teams will arrive today. Orange alert is issued in 5 districts today.

The Idukki reservoir is in a state of red alert, where the water level has touched 2399.10 ft this morning. The dam's full reservoir level is 2403 ft.

In Mullaperiyar Dam, the water level reached 140.30 ft this morning. 2250 cusecs of water released from the reservoir, are being diverted to Tamil Nadu.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan urged the public to remain alert as heavy rains are predicted in the state for the next few days. Chief Minister further said the number of pilgrims in the Sabarimala temple will be restricted for the next three to four days in view of the heavy rains. Currently, three teams of the National Disaster Response Force are deployed in the state.  Four more teams will arrive today.