Heavy rainfall alert in state, red alert in three districts, tides in coastal areas and floods in Kuttanad

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Meteorological Department has warned of heavy rains in the state today. Red alert has been sounded in Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam and Pathanamthitta districts. Orange alert has been announced in Kottayam, Alappuzha, Idukki and Ernakulam.

The low pressure formed in south-eastern Arabian Sea will intensify today. It will be strong tomorrow. By Sunday, the low pressure will turn into cyclone Taukate. As the cyclone's path is close to the Kerala coast, the sea will be turbulent. There are chances for strong winds also. Fishermen have been warned not to venture into the sea.

Nine teams of the National Disaster Response Force have been deployed in different districts. The Central Meteorological Department has warned of strong winds of up to 40 kmph and thunder showers in Thiruvananthapuram, Kottayam and Ernakulam in the next three hours. This was mentioned in the warning issued Friday early morning.

Following heavy rains, work has started to cut the Thottapalli groove as part of preventing floods in Kuttanad. The process of digging ditches is presently progressing. In addition, the shutters of the bunds of Thannermukkam have been opened under the leadership of the irrigation department. Of the 90 shutters, 30 were raised.

The tidal waves continue in Pozhiyoor, Thiruvananthapuram. People have been relocated to camps. Sea ravages are strong in Kozhikode Koyilandy, Kappad and Thoppayil areas. If the rains and floods continue, more relief camps will have to be opened in the state.