Thiruvananthapuram | Heavy rains since Friday night have caused widespread damage in various parts of Kerala and raised water levels in rivers and dams, prompting the IMD to issue an 'orange alert' in nine districts.
The India Meteorological Department on Saturday issued an 'orange alert' for Pathanamthitta, Kottayam, Idukki, Ernakulam, Thrissur, Palakkad, Malappuram, Kozhikode, and Wayanad districts for the day.
A 'yellow alert' was issued for the remaining five districts.
An 'orange alert' indicates "very heavy rainfall" between 11 cm and 20 cm, while a 'yellow alert' signifies "heavy rainfall" between 6 cm and 11 cm.
The IMD further stated that rains are likely to continue in Kerala for the next five days, with the possibility of strong winds reaching speeds of 50-60 kmph on Saturday and Sunday.
It also advised against fishing activities along the Kerala-Karnataka-Lakshadweep coasts from Saturday to Wednesday due to "strong winds" and adverse weather conditions.
In several parts of Kozhikode, heavy overnight rains and strong winds uprooted trees and damaged houses and vehicles.
Power lines and poles were brought down, disrupting the electricity supply.
Similar incidents were reported from Kottayam, Palakkad, and Kannur districts as well.
The shutters of the Banasura Sagar dam in Wayanad and the Aliyar dam in Palakkad district have been raised following a rise in water levels in their catchment areas. Residents living downstream of these reservoirs have been advised to remain cautious.
The Irrigation Design and Research Board (IDRB) and the Central Water Commission (CWC) on issued alerts for various rivers whose levels have "risen dangerously" due to the heavy rains.
Alerts were issued for the Manimala, Achankovil, and Pamba rivers in Pathanamthitta; Vamanapuram in Thiruvananthapuram; Pallikkal in Kollam; and Thodupuzha in Idukki district.
The IDRB and CWC have urged residents along the riverbanks to exercise caution and avoid crossing or entering these water bodies under any circumstances.
