Rains likely to intensify; two districts on orange alert

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert in two districts in the wake of the chance of heavy rains. Orange alert has been issued in Ernakulam and Thrissur. The possibility of very heavy rain has been predicted in isolated places. The IMD defines very heavy rain as rainfall ranging from 115.6 mm to 204.4 mm in 24 hours.

A yellow alert has also been issued for Pathanamthitta, Kottayam, Idukki, Palakkad, Malappuram and Kozhikode today. Isolated heavy rain is predicted. The IMD defines heavy rain as a situation where 64.5 mm to 115.5 mm of rain is expected in 24 hours. Thunderstorms are expected.

A cyclonic circulation is present over the southeast Arabian Sea and the adjoining Kerala coast. Due to this, the IMD has warned that isolated heavy rain is possible on June 18, 21 and 22.

People living in areas prone to landslides, mudslides and flash floods are advised to move to safer places as per the instructions of the authorities. Those living in riverbanks and downstream areas of dams should also move to safer places as per the instructions of the authorities, anticipating the possibility of danger.