Heavy rain lashes Kerala, IMD issues orange alert in 6 districts on Monday

With heavy rain lashing the state, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert for six districts — Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Ernakulam, Idukki and Thrissur — for Monday. The remaining districts are under a yellow alert.

An orange alert indicates very heavy rainfall ranging from 115.6 mm to 204.4 mm within 24 hours. A yellow alert signifies the possibility of heavy rainfall between 64.5 mm and 115.5 mm within the same period.

IMD predicted an increase in the rainfall activity across Kerala this week under the influence of a cyclonic circulation over the Gulf of Mannar and South Tamil Nadu.

“An upper air cyclonic circulation lies over Gulf of Mannar & adjoining south Tamil Nadu at 5.8 km above mean sea level. Strong Westerlies/ North Westerlies likely to prevail over Kerala and Lakshadweep area in the lower tropospheric levels.

“Under the influence of these, widespread rainfall activity with Heavy rainfall (7cm to 11cm in 24 hours) to very heavy rainfall (12cm to 20cm in 24 hours) with extremely heavy rainfall (> 20cm in 24 hours) is very likely to occur at one or two places in Kerala on 5th August, Heavy rainfall (7cm to 11cm in 24 hours) to very heavy rainfall (12cm to 20cm in 24 hours) is very likely to occur at one or two places in Kerala on 3rd, 4th and from 6th to 8th August and Heavy rainfall (7cm to 11cm in 24 hours) is very likely to occur at one or two places in Kerala on 2nd August and over Lakshadweep on 2nd and from 4th to 6th August 2025,” alerted IMD.

Waterlogging on major roads and reduced visibility may cause traffic disruptions, while low-lying areas and riverbanks face a risk of flooding. Strong winds could uproot trees, disrupt electricity, and cause minor structural damage. Landslides and landslips are possible in hilly regions. The rain may pose risks to human and animal safety and could damage weak structures, especially along the coast.

Orange alert in districts
August 5 - Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Ernakulam, Idukki, Thrissur, Palakkad, Malappuram August 6 – Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur, Kasaragod
August 7 – Kannur, Kasaragod

Yellow alert in districts
August 5 – Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur, Kasaragod
August 6 – Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Ernakulam, Idukki, Thrissur, Palakkad
August 7 – Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad

High tidal waves to hit Kerala coast till Monday
Swell waves known as ‘Kallakkadal’ will trigger high tidal waves along the coastal areas of Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam and Alappuzha from 5.30 pm on Sunday to 8.30 pm on Monday, alerted the Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS).

These areas are likely to experience waves of up to 1.5 to 1.8 metres during this period. Fishermen and coastal residents are advised to remain vigilant as there are chances for sea incursion.