Four dead as torrential rains lash Kerala, IMD issues orange alert

Flights from Kozhikode International Airport have been delayed due to heavy rains, official sources said.

The KSRTC bus stand at Kochi was flooded in the heavy rains that lashed the city last night. According to TV visuals, many major roads in Kochi city have been waterlogged, resulting in heavy traffic blocks. Police officials can be seen diverting traffic at various places in the city.

Also Read: Kerala rains to continue: Emergency centres, hospitals on alert

Orange alert issued

Many places in Thrissur City were also inundated by the torrential rains.

The IMD has issued an orange alert in the Alappuzha, Kottayam, Ernakulam, Idukki, Thrissur, Palakkad, Malappuram, Kozhikode and Wayanad districts of the state.

A red alert indicates heavy to extremely heavy rain of over 20 cm in 24 hours, while an orange alert means very heavy rain of 11 cm to 20 cm, and a yellow alert means heavy rainfall between 6 cm and 11 cm.

Meanwhile, four shutters of the Malankara dam in Thodupuzha in the Idukki district were raised and the authorities have warned the people living along the banks of the Thodupuzha, and Muvattupuzha rivers to remain cautious of rising waters.

Many roads in various places have been reported to be damaged by the heavy waterlogging and rain in northern districts of the state.

The Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA) has warned the fishermen not to venture into the sea.

In the wake of the incessant heavy rains, a state control room was opened in the Health Department Directorate at Thiruvananthapuram on Wednesday as part of efforts to strengthen epidemic prevention activities.

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