Thiruvananthapuram, 06 August (H.S.): Heavy rain continued to lash several parts of Kerala on Thursday, prompting the India Meteorological Department (IMD) to issue an orange alert in seven districts and authorities to close educational institutions in several rain-hit areas.

The orange alert has been issued for Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Ernakulam, Idukki, Kannur and Kasaragod districts, indicating the possibility of heavy to very heavy rainfall at isolated places.

Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Thrissur, Palakkad, Malappuram, Kozhikode and Wayanad are under yellow alert.

With persistent rainfall raising concerns over flooding, waterlogging and landslides, local administrations have declared holidays for educational institutions in some of the worst-affected areas.

All educational institutions, including anganwadis and professional colleges, will remain closed in Kottayam taluk. Holidays have also been declared in Thiruvalla and Kozhencherry taluks in Pathanamthitta district and Kuttanad, Chengannur, Karthikappally and Mavelikkara taluks in Alappuzha district.

Schools functioning as relief camps in several affected areas will also remain closed as authorities continue to monitor the situation.

Meanwhile, fishermen have been advised not to venture into the sea amid forecasts of squally weather along and off the Kerala coast. Strong winds reaching speeds of 40-50 kmph and gusting up to 60 kmph are likely.

The IMD has warned that intense spells of rain could cause flash floods and waterlogging in low-lying areas and increase the possibility of landslides in vulnerable regions.

Heavy rain could also disrupt road traffic, reduce visibility, uproot trees and affect power supply in some areas.

People living in low-lying and landslide-prone areas have been advised to remain vigilant and follow instructions issued by district administrations and disaster management authorities.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman