Thiruvananthapuram: The India Meteorological Department has predicted that heavy rain accompanied by strong winds will hit isolated places in Pathanamthittam, Idukki, Ernakulam, Thrissur, Malappuram, Palakkad, Kozhikode, Kannur and Kasaragod districts on Thursday. Hence, all these districts are placed under a yellow alert as rainfall ranging from 64.5 mm to 115.5 mm is expected within 24 hours. As per the IMD forecast, Kerala is likely to witness heavy rain till August 18 under the influence of a low-pressure area over the Bay of Bengal. Fisherfolk are advised to not to venture off Kerala coast till Saturday in view of the adverse weather conditions.

Gusty winds triggered panic at Koratty and Kunnamkulam regions of Thrissur on Thursday afternoon.

Yellow alert in districts
August 14 – Pathanamthitta, Idukki, Ernakulam, Thrissur, Palakkad, Kozhikode, Kannur, Kasaragod
August 15 – Ernakulam, Thrissur, Malappuram, Kozhikode
August 16 – Kozhikode, Kannur, Kasaragod
August 17 – Kannur, Kasaragod
August 18 – Kannur, Kasaragod

Probable impacts of heavy rainfall:

• Poor visibility due to intense spells of rain, leading to traffic congestion.
• Temporary disruption of traffic due to waterlogging, uprooting of trees, or broken branches, causing increased travel time.
• Damage to power infrastructure from uprooted trees.
• Partial damage to kutcha houses and huts due to falling trees.
• Damage to standing crops and vegetables at the maturity stage.
• Landslides, mudslides, or landslips likely in hilly areas.
• Risk of injury to people and cattle from lightning in open spaces.