Thiruvananthapuram: Heavy rain continued to batter isolated places across the state as the cyclonic circulation over the Arabian Sea formed into a low-pressure area on Saturday. The IMD has sounded an orange alert in Pathanamthitta, Kottayam, Idukki, and Malappuram districts on Saturday. An orange alert indicates very heavy rain ranging from 115.6 mm to 204.4 mm within 24 hours. 

The hilly regions of Idukki and Kozhikode are under alert as flash floods and landslides were reported from Friday night. 

This low-pressure area is likely to move west-north-westwards and intensify into a depression during the next 36 hours, according to IMD. As per the latest forecast, heavy rain is likely to continue across Kerala till October 24 under the influence of the low-pressure area. 

Orange alert in districts
Oct 18 - Pathanamthitta, Kottayam, Idukki, Malappuram 
Oct 19 - Malappuram, Kozhikode, Kannur, Kasargod 

Yellow alert in districts
Oct 18 - Thiruvananthapuram, Ernakulam, Thrissur, Palakkad, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur, Kasaragod
Oct 19 - Pathanamthitta, Kottayam, Ernakulam, Idukki, Thrissur, Palakkad, Wayanad
Oct 20 - Pathanamthitta, Kottayam, Ernakulam, Idukki, Thrissur, Palakkad, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur, Kasargod 
Oct 21 - Pathanamthitta, Kottayam, Ernakulam, Idukki, Thrissur 
Oct 22 - Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Kottayam, Ernakulam, Idukki, Thrissur, Palakkad 

In view of the adverse weather conditions, fisherfolk have been advised not to venture into the sea off the Kerala coast from Saturday to Wednesday. According to the IMD forecast, squally weather with wind speeds of 35–45 kmph, gusting up to 55 kmph, is likely to prevail along and off the Kerala coast and adjoining sea areas from October 18 to 22.

The IMD has also issued a thunderstorm and wind warning, urging the public to exercise caution to avoid untoward incidents. Heavy rain is expected to lash Kerala till November, following the onset of the northeast monsoon on October 16.