Heavy rains predicted in state, red alert in five districts

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Heavy rains are likely to pound the state today also. Red alert has been sounded in Ernakulam, Idukki, Thrissur, Kozhikode and Kannur districts. Orange alert has been declared in Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Malappuram, Wayanad, Kasargod and yellow alert in Palakkad and Thiruvananthapuram.

The Met Office said winds could blow at a speed of 40 to 50 kilometres per hour. Authorities in the hilly and coastal areas have issued a warning. The National Disaster Response Force will arrive in the state today. Fishing has been banned off the coasts of Kerala, Karnataka and Lakshadweep. The rains will continue for four more days in the state.

Widespread damages in Kozhikode
A shop sustained damages after a tree uprooted at Valayam in Nadapuram. Four were electrocuted after an electric post overturned. The incident happened last night at 9 pm. A tree fell on top of a house in Balusseri. A house was partially damaged in the heavy rains at Edacheri.