Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala is likely to witness heavy rain on Monday, with the IMD issuing a yellow alert in eight districts.

On May 18, a yellow alert has been sounded in Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Idukki, Ernakulam, Thrissur, Palakkad and Malappuram districts, while on May 19 it will be in force in Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur and Kasaragod. Squally weather with wind speed 40-50 kmph gusting to 60 kmph is likely to prevail along and off the Kerala coast on Monday.

The maximum temperature fell appreciably in Kannur, Kottayam and Kozhikode districts on Sunday. It was appreciably below normal in Kottayam district, below normal in Kannur, Malappuram, Kollam, and Thiruvananthapuram districts and it remained normal elsewhere over Kerala. Palakkad recorded the highest maximum temperature of 34.7°C. 

The Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA), in a statement, urged people living in landslide- and flood-prone areas to remain vigilant and move to safer locations as per official instructions.

Residents along riverbanks and downstream areas of dams have also been advised to exercise caution and relocate if necessary.

People in vulnerable areas have been asked to ensure that relief camps are operational and shift during daytime if required, in coordination with local and revenue authorities, the statement said.

Given the likelihood of strong winds, those living in weak or poorly secured houses have been advised to take precautions or move to safer places.

The authorities also warned against crossing rivers, entering water bodies for bathing or fishing, or venturing onto bridges over swollen rivers during heavy rainfall.

Unnecessary travel should be avoided, especially to hilly areas, waterfalls and water bodies, until the weather warning is lifted, they said.

Motorists have been advised to exercise caution on roads near water bodies and avoid driving through flooded stretches.

People have also been urged to secure loose trees, electric posts, hoardings and walls in both private and public spaces and report potential hazards to authorities.