THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Rains continue to lash the state on Wednesday as well. The meteorological department has warned of heavy rains for the next few hours in different parts of the state.

Orange alert has been declared in Idukki where there is heavy rainfall. Yellow alert has been declared in the districts of Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Ernakulam, Malappuram, Kozhikode and Wayanad.

The central meteorological department has forecasted strong winds and heavy rains in the state for the next five days. Isolated rains are likely on April 13, 14 and heavy isolated showers are likely on April 13.

The rains have intensified as the cyclone, which was above the coast of southern Tamil Nadu, entered the Arabian Sea. During these days, thundershowers are likely from 2 pm till 10 pm along with winds with a speed up to 40 kilometre per hour.

Coastal dwellers should remain vigilant as there is a possibility of sea turbulence and high waves of 1.2 m to 1.5 m off the coast of Kerala on Wednesday. The ban on fishing continues. In hilly areas, the river water levels may to rise due to heavy rainfall.