THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Meteorological Department warned of heavy rains in the state even today. Orange alert has been sounded in Alappuzha, Ernakulam, Malappuram and Kannur districts. Heavy rains lashed many parts of North Kerala last night.

The situation in Kuttanad is worsening. 83 relief camps have been opened in the district. People have been evacuated to camps from the areas where bunds breached. Heavy rains are expected to continue under the influence of new low pressure formed in the Bay of Bengal, informed Meteorological Department director K Santhosh. The Meteorological Department has forecast less rains in Kerala from tomorrow.

Fishing has been banned till August 12 in the capital city. The Department of Fisheries said fishing could not be permitted due to the possibility of strong winds and rains. After August 12th, the new date will be decided considering the weather. This is the third time fishing is being banned in the state.