Heavy rains with thunder to continue today also; orange alert in three districts

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Heavy rains with thunder storms will continue in the state today also. Orange alert has been sounded in Ernakulam, Idukki and Malappuram. Yellow alert has been declared in other districts. As the sea is very turbulent, fishermen have been warned not to venture into the sea.

Three hundred and fifty families residing on the coast of Thrissur have been relocated. Hundreds of houses in Ponnani are on the verge of collapse. 26 families have been shifted to relief camps at Thirumoolam in Thiruvalla. Houses in low-lying areas of Kuttanad are flooded. The floods affected Thalawadi, Edathwa and Muttar.

Meantime cyclone Tauktae is moving towards the coast of Goa. It will reach the coast of Gujarat on Tuesday morning. The meteorological department has predicted that there are chances for the cyclone to blow at a speed of 175 kmph. The entire west coast of the country is on alert. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had yesterday called a high-level meeting to assess the situation following warnings that the cyclone could wreak havoc in states including Gujarat.

The union home ministry has sent 42 Rapid Action Force units to six states. 26 teams have been set up. The Coast Guard, Navy and the Army are ready with ships and helicopters for rescue operations. The Prime Minister directed to evacuate the people and ensure uninterrupted supply of electricity, telephone, health and drinking water. He also suggested that precautions be taken to ensure that the vaccine supply is not disrupted.