Heavy rain batters Thiruvananthapuram; orange alert in 3 districts today

Thiruvananthapuram: With southwest monsoon intensifying in Kerala, heavy rainfall accompanied by lightning and thunder lashed several parts of the state on Wednesday. The capital city of Thiruvanthapuram also received heavy rainfall. 

The India Meteorological Department has predicted that Kerala will continue to receive heavy rainfall till August 17 under the influence of a low-pressure trough between the Rayalaseema and Comorin regions and cyclonic circulation over north Sri Lanka. An orange alert was sounded for Ernakulam, Thrissur and Kannur districts on Wednesday. All other districts were placed under yellow alert.

As per the latest alert issued by IMD on Wednesday morning, moderate to heavy rain accompanied by wind with a speed of 40 kmph is likely to lash Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Thrissur, Palakkad and Malappuram districts.

In view of the adverse weather conditions, IMD has banned fishing across Kerala-Lakshadweep coasts from August 13 to 17. Meanwhile, fishermen are allowed to venture into the sea off the Karnataka coast.

The Met office has advised people to exercise extreme caution to stay safe from untoward incidents during heavy rain. There are chances of traffic congestion due to poor visibility,  waterlogging and uprooting of trees. People residing in places prone to floods and landslides are advised to move to safer places. 

Alerts
August 15: 
Orange- Kozhikode, Wayanad
Yellow- Ernakulam, Idukki, Thrissur, Palakkad, Malappuram

August 16: Yellow- Kottayam, Ernakulam, Idukki, Thrissur, Palakkad, Malappuram

August 17: Yellow- Pathanamthitta, Kottayam, Ernakulam, Idukki, Thrissur, Palakkad, Malappuram

August 18: Yellow- Pathanamthitta, Kottayam, Ernakulam, Idukki, Thrissur, Palakkad, Malappuram