Rains to intensify in state today, orange alert in 12 districts, holiday for schools

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Heavy rains are likely to intensify in the state today. The Meteorological Centre has issued a warning that there may be heavy rain in isolated places. Orange alert has been issued in twelve districts. Orange alert is in Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Idukki, Ernakulam, Thrissur, Palakkad, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur and Kasaragod.

Yellow alert has been issued in Thiruvananthapuram and Kollam today. Landslides are possible in areas that have received continuous rainfall. Officials have directed fishermen not to venture into the sea.

A holiday has been declared for educational institutions including professional colleges in Kottayam, Alappuzha, Idukki and Pathanamthitta districts in the wake of heavy rains. A holiday has also been declared in Kothamangalam, Muvattupuzha, Thiruvalla, Chalakudy and Vellarikund taluks. Schools functioning as relief camps in Kozhikode are given a holiday. MG University has postponed exams.

Aliyar Dam opened
The dam was opened at 4 am Thursday morning after the water level touched 1047.35 feet. 910 cubic feet of water was released per second. Officials have warned people living on the banks of the Chittoor river to be cautious.