KOCHI: With the northeast monsoon (NE) becoming active, orange alert has been sounded for six districts in the state on Friday. Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam and Idukki are on alert for very heavy rainfall of 11-20cm.
According to India meteorological department (IMD), the warning has been issued due to north-easterly winds and formation of a low-pressure area over southwest Bay of Bengal off Sri Lanka coast.
Squally weather with wind speed reaching 40-50kmph gusting to 60 kmph is likely to prevail over Kerala coast. Fishermen are advised not to venture into the sea. Also, thunderstorms with lightning are very likely to occur at one or two places in Kerala till Monday. With the NE monsoon becoming active, heavy rainfall was reported in many places. Ponnani recorded the highest of 12cm while Perumbavoor got 9cm and Kanjirappally, Idukki, Piravom and Muvattupuzha received 8cm rainfall each.
Landslides near Erumely:
Meanwhile, landslides occurred at Angel Valley near Erumely in Kottayam on Thursday evening. Heavy rains which started by around 3pm subsided by around 7pm. Water entered into many houses and roads were damaged. People staying in damaged houses were shifted to relief camps. Traffic was disrupted in the region. No casualties were reported.
