THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Central Meteorological Department predicts heavy rain in the state for the next five days. A yellow alert previously issued in 9 districts, now applies to 11 districts due to the heavy rain warning. Today, there's an orange alert in Idukki, Kozhikode and Wayanad districts due to heavy rain.

Pathanamthitta and Idukki will be on yellow alert tomorrow and the day after, Pathanamthitta, Idukki and Ernakulam districts. On Saturday, all districts except Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam and Kasaragod will have a yellow alert. Pathanamthitta and Idukki will have it on Monday and on Tuesday, it's Ernakulam, Kozhikode and Kannur districts.

Expect rain for the next seven days due to winds from the Bay of Bengal. The Central Meteorological Department warns of possible heavy rain until November 6 with very heavy rain on November 3 and 4.

Some special instructions for the public

Follow authorities' instructions in areas under heavy rain warnings.

If you live in a risky area, be prepared for storm surges and possible evacuation. Keep fishing equipment secure.

If your home is not safe or has a weak roof, prepare to evacuate based on warnings.

Secure loose objects like trees, posts and boards in public areas and report dangerous conditions to authorities.

Comply with Covid norms if you need to move to relief camps.

Those in disaster-prone areas should have an emergency kit ready. Find instructions at [https://sdma.kerala.gov.in/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Emergency-Kit.pdf ].

Do not attempt to cross rivers or enter bodies of water for any reason during heavy rains.

Do not gather or take pictures on overpasses above water bodies.

If you live downstream of dams, be prepared for possible dam water overflow and evacuate as per authorities' instructions. Avoid night travel to hilly areas.