Heavy rains in state for five days; Orange alert in six districts today

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: There will be heavy rains in the state in the next five days. Orange alert has been sounded in in six districts today. Orange alert was issued in Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Kottayam, Alappuzha and Thrissur districts. Yellow alert has been declared in districts except Palakkad, Kannur and Kasaragod.

Wind is likely to blow at a speed of 40 to 50 kilometres per hour. An alert has been issued in hilly and coastal areas. Fishinmen have been asked not to venture into the sea today and tomorrow. State police chief Anil Kant has directed to set up control rooms in every district to deal with emergencies.

There is a ban on tourist places in and around Thiruvananthapuram from today. Ponmudi, Kallar, Mankayam, Neyyar, Kottur and Peppara were closed. The action was following the order of the district disaster management authority. People have been evacuated from Bonakad and Ponmudi due to heavy rains.

Shutters of dam raised
The two shutters of the Aruvikkara Dam were raised by 20 cm each. The second and third shutters were raised this morning. The district collector has warned the neighbours to be vigilant.