Thiruvananthapuram: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued yellow and orange alerts across Kerala as the state braces for heavy rainfall, gusty winds, and squally weather. Above-normal rainfall is expected in most parts of the state till June 18. The IMD has revised the alert levels for Wednesday, issuing an orange alert in three districts and a yellow alert in eight.

Following a sharp rise in water levels, the shutters of the Kallarkutty and Pambla dams in Idukki district were raised on Wednesday after the reservoirs neared their maximum storage capacity. All five shutters of the Kallarkutty dam were opened early in the morning to release excess water downstream.

Inflow into other major dams in the district, such as Mattupetty, Kundala, and Ponmudi, has also significantly increased. Authorities have issued an alert urging residents living along the banks of the Periyar and Muthirapuzha rivers to remain vigilant.

Orange alert

• June 11 (Wednesday): Ernakulam, Idukki, Thrissur, Kasaragod
• June 12 (Thursday): Kannur, Kasaragod
• June 13 (Friday): Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur, Kasaragod
• June 14 (Saturday): Idukki, Ernakulam, Thrissur, Palakkad, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur, Kasaragod
• June 15 (Sunday): All districts

Yellow alert

• June 11 (Wednesday): Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Palakkad, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur, Kasaragod
• June 12 (Thursday): Kottayam, Idukki, Ernakulam, Thrissur, Palakkad, Malappuram, Wayanad, Kozhikode
• June 13 (Friday): Pathanamthitta, Kottayam, Ernakulam, Idukki, Thrissur, Malappuram, Palakkad
• June 14 (Saturday): Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam

A yellow alert indicates the possibility of heavy rainfall of 6–11 cm in 24 hours, while an orange alert denotes very heavy rainfall between 11–20 cm.

The Met department has predicted heavy (7–11 cm) to very heavy rainfall (12–20 cm) at isolated places in Kerala till June 17. Squally weather with wind speeds of 35–45 kmph, gusting to 55 kmph, is prevailing along and off the Kerala coast. Strong surface winds with speeds occasionally reaching 40–50 kmph are expected over Kerala and Lakshadweep on June 11 and 12. Wind speeds may increase to 50–60 kmph from June 13 to 15. Fishermen have been warned against venturing into the sea during this period.

Public advisory
Residents are advised to:

• Stay indoors during heavy rain
• Avoid sheltering near trees or weak structures
• Limit travel and check for traffic updates, as waterlogging is likely
• Follow safety guidelines issued by the IMD and local authorities