Thiruvananthapuram, 11 June (H.S.):

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast heavy to very heavy rainfall across several parts of Kerala over the next few days, prompting the issuance of Orange Alerts in multiple districts and warnings to fishermen against venturing into the sea.

According to the IMD, an Orange Alert has been issued for Ernakulam, Idukki and Thrissur districts on Thursday, while Kottayam, Ernakulam and Idukki districts will remain under Orange Alert on Friday. The alert indicates the possibility of isolated heavy to very heavy rainfall and calls for heightened vigilance from local authorities and residents.

Meteorologists attributed the prevailing weather conditions to a cyclonic circulation over the interior regions of North Karnataka and adjoining areas, which is influencing weather patterns across Kerala. Under its impact, the state is expected to experience widespread rainfall, with periods of intense precipitation likely to continue until Sunday.

For Thursday, heavy rainfall has been forecast in Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Palakkad and Malappuram districts. On Friday, the IMD has issued Yellow Alerts for Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta and Alappuzha districts, indicating the likelihood of heavy rain at isolated places.

The weather department has also placed Kozhikode, Kannur and Kasaragod districts under Yellow Alert on Saturday, while Ernakulam, Thrissur, Palakkad and Malappuram districts are expected to remain under Yellow Alert on Sunday.

Authorities have advised residents in vulnerable areas, particularly those living near rivers, low-lying regions and landslide-prone zones, to remain alert and follow instructions issued by local disaster management agencies.

Meanwhile, the IMD has warned fishermen not to venture into the sea along the Kerala, Karnataka and Lakshadweep coasts on Thursday and Friday due to adverse weather conditions and rough sea conditions associated with the ongoing rainfall activity.

The state government and disaster management authorities are closely monitoring the situation as Kerala braces for another spell of intense monsoon rainfall.

---------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman