Widespread rain likely in state today; yellow alert in eight districts

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Heavy rain is predicted in the state today. Yellow alert has been declared in Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Idukki, Kozhikode and Kannur. Isolated heavy rain is predicted.

Fishing has been banned along the coasts of Kerala, Karnataka and Lakshadweep due to the possibility of bad weather. The central meteorological department has informed that there is a possibility of heavy rain in the coming days. Yellow alert has been sounded in Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Ernakulam and Idukki tomorrow, day after and Monday.

Meantime, the shutters of Idukki Malankara Dam may open today. It is part of regulating the water level. Six shutters will be raised by one meter and the water will be released. Officials have asked people living on the banks of Thodupuzha and Moovattupuzha rivers to be on alert.