Heavy rain predicted; two districts on orange alert, holiday for some educational institutions

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has informed that heavy rains will continue in the state today also. An orange alert has been issued in Kannur and Kasaragod today. A yellow alert has also been sounded in Alappuzha, Ernakulam, Thrissur, Malappuram, Kozhikode and Wayanad. Westerly-northwesterly winds are strong over Kerala. The cyclonic circulation located over south Gujarat has intensified into a low-pressure area. Another low pressure area has also formed over northwestern Bangladesh and the Gangetic West Bengal. It is likely to intensify in the next hour.

Winds of up to 50 kmph are also possible in isolated places today. Fishing has been banned along the Kerala coast today and along the Karnataka and Lakshadweep coasts till June 19. It has also been warned that sea turbulence is likely to intensify in these areas. The National Oceanographic Research Institute has also advised people to be extra vigilant as there is a possibility of coastal erosion.

Meantime, the district collector has declared a holiday for schools functioning as relief camps in Kottayam and all educational institutions in Kuttanad taluk today. However, the collector has also informed that there will be no change in the previously scheduled exams. Due to heavy rains, almost all schools and public roads in Kuttanad taluk are severely waterlogged.