Extremely heavy rains predicted in Kerala

Extremely heavy rains have been forecast in Kerala’s Idukki, Malappuram, Kannur and Kasragod districts on Sunday. India Meterological Department issued a red alert on these districts and asked authorities to take precautionary steps to shift people staying in disaster-prone areas to safer places.

According to the IMD, a low-pressure area is likely to develop over the North East of Bengal and neighbourhood around September 20 and under its influence widespread rains over Kerala during September 19-21.

An oranges alert has been issued for six districts- Wayanad, Kozhikode, Palakkad, Thrissur, Ernakulam and Kottayam. A yellow alert has been issued in Alappuzha, Pathnamthitta, Kollam and Thiruvananthapuram.

Several parts of the state have been receiving heavy rains in the past few days.

The six shutters of Malankara dam were opened following the increase in water levels in the reservoir. The shutters were 10 centimeters each. Those residing on the banks of Thodapuzha and Muvattupuzha River have been asked to be cautious.

Meanwhile the shutters of Malampuzha and Pothundi dam in Palakkad will be opened 5 centimeters each.