THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Extreme low pressure formed in the south east of Bay of Bengal has transformed into Cyclone Asani. The Meteorological Department has forecast heavy rains in the state though the track of the cyclone will not directly affect Kerala.

The cyclone will make landfall in Odisha, Bengal and Andhra Pradesh. The eastern parts of the state will receive the highest rainfall. The central and southern Kerala is likely to receive heavy rains by Tuesday. People who have ventured for fishing in the Bay of Bengal should move to safer shores, the Meteorological Department said.

Taking into account the intensity of cyclone Asani, a warning has been issued in Andhra Pradesh and Odisha today. There is a possibility of heavy rain and strong winds in these places in the coming days.

Asani is expected to make landfall near the coasts of Andhra Pradesh and Odisha but is expected to cross without touching land. Meantime, have started evacuating people from the coast. The word Asani means wrath and the name was given by Sri Lanka.