Thiruvananthapuram: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast that heavy rain accompanied by thunder and strong winds will continue to lash Kerala on Tuesday. Isolated places across the state are likely to experience thunderstorms till Wednesday.

A yellow alert has been issued in seven districts — Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Ernakulam, and Idukki on Tuesday. Though no rain alert has been sounded for Thrissur, the district collector has declared a holiday for all educational institutions due to the adverse weather conditions.

According to the IMD, the state will continue to receive heavy rainfall under the influence of Cyclone Montha over the Bay of Bengal and a depression formed over the east-central Arabian Sea.

Heavy rain has been battering the central and northern districts of the state since Monday, causing waterlogging and minor mudslides in several areas.

Mudslide in Pallivasal
In Idukki’s Pallivasal, a portion of the Kochi–Dhanushkodi National Highway (NH-85) caved in following a mudslide on Monday night. As traffic restrictions were already in place during night hours, a major tragedy was averted.

The landslide occurred at a spot where bridge construction was in progress. Authorities suspect that the road could collapse further if fresh mudslides occur. However, vehicles were seen plying on the route from Tuesday morning.

Fishermen warning in place
The IMD has advised fishermen not to venture into the sea off the Kerala and Lakshadweep coasts on Tuesday.

“Squally weather with wind speed of 40–50 kmph, gusting up to 60 kmph, is likely to prevail along and off the Kerala coast and adjoining sea areas on October 28. Fishermen are advised not to venture into these areas during this period,” the IMD said in its latest advisory.

Officials added that the sea is likely to remain turbulent under the influence of Cyclone Montha, which is expected to make landfall in Andhra Pradesh on Tuesday.