Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala continued to experience widespread rain on Wednesday even as water level rose in many rivers due to the incessant downpour in the hilly regions of the central Kerala.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted isolated heavy rainfall across the state till Sunday. An orange alert has been issued in 8 districts of the state including Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Ernakulam, Idukki and Malappuram. A yellow alert has been declared in all other districts.
An orange alert indicates very heavy rains from 6 cm to 20 cm of rain while a yellow alert means heavy rainfall between 6 and 11 cm.
Night travel has been prohibited in hilly regions. Activities like boating have been halted for the time being. Fishermen in Kerala and Lakshadweep have been asked to not venture into the sea.
The shutters of Malampuzha dam were raised at 9 am on Wednesday. The shutters are being lifted for the third time in 45 days. Those living on the banks of Kalpathipuzha and Bharathapuzha have been directed to take precautions as there will be an increase in the water level.
Ernakulam, Kottayam declare holiday for schools
Ernakulam Collector Dr Renu Raj and Kottayam Collector Dr P K Jayasree declared Wednesday a holiday for all educational institutions in their respective districts owing to a heavy rainfall forecast from IMD. However, university exams will be held as scheduled in Kottayam.
