THIRUVANANTHAPURAM/KOZHIKODE: There are heavy rains in many parts of the state. Seven fishermen who ventured to the sea from Vizhinjam and Neendakara are missing in the inclement weather. A man who went to bathe in the sea in Fort Kochi has gone missing. Shutters of the dam have been opened in Idukki and Kozhikode. A holiday has been given for Kasargod for all educational institutions where a red alert has been sounded.

People residing on the shores of Periyar have been asked to maintain alert following heavy rains lashing Idukki. Four fishermen who ventured to the sea from Vizhinjam on Wednesday have not returned so far. Meantime, there have also been accusations that government systems are ineffective. Ignoring the warning not to go to sea, fishermen in ten boats have gone to the sea in search of the missing fishermen.

Three, natives of Kanyakumari, who went to the sea from Neendakara are missing. Their boats sunk in the heavy waves. Three in the boat swam to safety. Search has been intensified to trace them.