Thiruvananthapuram | The Kerala Irrigation Department on Saturday issued orange and yellow alerts for several rivers across the state following a sharp rise in water levels due to incessant rain.

An orange alert indicates a severe flood situation, with the river water level reaching the danger mark. Yellow alert indicates water level in river above the normal situation but below the danger level.

An orange alert has been issued for the Muvattupuzha river at the Thodupuzha station in Ernakulam district, the Kallada river at the Punalur station in Kollam district, the Meenachil river at the Pala station and the Manimala river at the Manimala station in Kottayam district. An alert was issued for the Pampa river at the Kurudamannil station and the Achankovil river at the Kalleli station in Pathanamthitta district.

A yellow alert has been issued for the Muvattupuzha river at the Kakkadassery station in Ernakulam district.

The department advised the public not to enter or attempt to cross any of the rivers under alert and urged people living along the riverbanks to remain vigilant.

Residents in flood-prone areas have also been asked to be prepared to move to safer places if directed by the authorities.

Meanwhile, the shutters of several dams were opened after water levels in reservoirs rose sharply following heavy rain.

One of the three shutters of the Moozhiyar dam in Pathanamthitta district was opened on Friday to regulate the inflow.

In Idukki district, the shutters of the Pambla, Kallarkutty and Malankara dams were also opened as a precautionary measure following a rise in water levels.

Authorities have advised people living downstream of the dams and along riverbanks to remain alert and follow the instructions of local officials.