Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala is on high alert as heavy rain accompanied by lightning and strong winds has been lashing the state from Thursday evening. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted isolated rainfall across the state until September 3. IMD has sounded an orange alert for seven districts- Ernakulam, Idukki, Thrissur, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur and Kasaragod on Friday in view of the chances for very heavy rainfall ranging from 115.6 mm to 204.4 mm within 24 hours. All other districts except Kollam and Thiruvananthapuram have been placed under a yellow alert.

As per the IMD forecast issued at 10.46 am, heavy rain accompanied by lightning and gusty wind with speed reaching upto 50 kmph will lash Kollam, Alappuzha, Ernakulam and Idukki by 2 pm.

Yellow alert in districts
August 30 – Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Palakkad, Malappuram
August 31 – Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur, Kasaragod
September 1 – Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur, Kasaragod
September 2 – Ernakulam, Thrissur, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Kannur, Kasaragod
September 3 - Ernakulam, Idukki, Kozhikode, Kannur, Kasaragod

A yellow alert indicates heavy rainfall ranging from 64.5 mm to 115.5 mm. The Kerala State Disaster Management Authority appealed to the public to exercise extreme caution during heavy rain to avoid lightning strikes and accidents. People residing in areas prone to landslides, river banks and downstream areas of dams have been advised to be alert and evacuate to safer locations or camps as per the instructions of the authorities. 

Shutters of several dams, including Sholayar, Peringalkutthu and Bhoothathankettu, were opened on Friday morning due to the rise in water level.