THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The strong rains and winds being lashed across the state due to the impact of the Tauktae cyclone will continue in the state unabated. The meteorological department has issued red alerts in nine districts. The alerts have been issued in the districts of Thrissur, Idukki, Ernakulam, Palakkad, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur and Kasargod.

Other districts in the state have been served with orange alerts. Red alert was also declared in Lakshadweep islands. The cyclone which currently stands at a distance of 300 kms away from the coast of Kannur, will strengthen further and will move towards the North. Latest alerts say that the people in Northern Kerala must be vigilant and winds and rains will gain further strength in the coming hours.

Director of central meteorological department, Dr Mrityunjay Malhotra has said that strong rains and winds will continue in the state unabated for the next 24 hours. He also adds that by tomorrow evening the impact of the winds will lower but strong rains will continue to lash across the state.

Strong winds and rains are creating havoc across the coastal areas in the state. At Chavakkad and Kodungallur the situation in the coasts is deplorable. Many were transferred to the relief camps. Violent sea waves have swept away the Chellanam coast.