Thiruvananthapuram , 10 May (H.S.): With heavy rain expected to continue across Kerala over the next two days, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Sunday issued a yellow alert for seven districts, warning of intense rainfall, thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds in several parts of the state.

The districts placed under yellow alert for Sunday are Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Ernakulam and Idukki. The IMD has also extended the yellow alert for Monday in Kollam, Pathanamthitta and Alappuzha districts as rainfall activity is likely to persist in southern Kerala.

According to the IMD, a yellow alert signifies the possibility of heavy rainfall ranging between 64.5 mm and 115.5 mm within a 24-hour period. The weather agency also warned that strong winds with speeds of 40 to 50 kmph and frequent lightning are likely to accompany the rain in isolated places.

The Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA) separately issued a cautionary advisory for Kannur and Kasaragod districts, stating that thunderstorms accompanied by light to moderate rainfall and gusty winds reaching up to 40 kmph are very likely at isolated locations. Light rainfall is also expected in parts of Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta and Idukki districts.

Authorities have urged the public to remain vigilant and strictly follow safety instructions issued by local administrations and disaster management agencies. The IMD advised people to avoid taking shelter under trees during thunderstorms and to stay away from vulnerable or weak structures during periods of intense wind and rain.

The weather department also recommended reinforcing temporary structures, including roadside stalls and vegetable pandals, as strong winds could cause damage in exposed areas. Residents living in low-lying regions have been asked to remain alert for possible waterlogging and temporary flooding.

The IMD warned that heavy downpours could lead to poor visibility, traffic congestion and disruption of vehicular movement due to water accumulation on roads and uprooting of trees. Lightning activity may also pose a threat to people and cattle in open areas, the agency added.

State authorities are closely monitoring the situation as rain-related incidents continue to be reported from different parts of Kerala.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman