THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Heavy rain is likely to lash the state today. Yellow alert has been sounded in Kottayam, Ernakulam, Idukki, Palakkad, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur and Kasaragod.

The Central Meteorological Department has informed that there is a possibility of moderate rain in Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Ernakulam, Idukki and Malappuram in next three hours and slight rain in other districts.

Yellow alert has been issued in Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Ernakulam, Idukki, Thrissur, Palakkad, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad and Kannur tomorrow. Officials have warned fishermen not to go into the sea. Minister Roshy Augustine has directed to be on alert in the hilly areas as the rain continues.

Meantime, there are heavy rains in Pathanamthitta. Streams overflowed and flooded roads and shops. There is waterlogging on the Vennikulam- Palakuzhi road. A buffalo tied in a field at Peringamala died after drowning.