Thiruvananthapuram, Aug 7 (IANS) Heavy rain continued to batter Kerala on Friday morning, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) stepping up its weather warning by issuing a red alert for seven districts and cautioning against strong winds and rough sea conditions.
In its latest update issued on Friday, the IMD placed Kottayam, Alappuzha, Ernakulam, Thrissur, Palakkad, Kannur and Kasaragod under a three-hour red alert, warning of isolated spells of heavy to very heavy rainfall accompanied by gusty winds with speeds of up to 50 kmph.
An orange alert has been issued for Pathanamthitta, Idukki, Malappuram, Kozhikode and Wayanad, where moderate to heavy rain and strong winds of up to 50 kmph are expected at isolated places over the next three hours.
In the remaining districts, the weather department has forecast light to moderate rain with winds reaching 40 kmph.
The latest warning comes even as the IMD had earlier forecast widespread rainfall across the state on Friday.
Orange Alerts remain in force for Pathanamthitta, Kottayam, Idukki, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur and Kasaragod, while all other districts continue under yellow alert.
The weather department said the prevailing wet spell is likely to continue through Saturday, with a gradual improvement in weather conditions expected from Sunday.
The IMD has also issued a caution over the Kallakkadal (swell wave) phenomenon, warning of high waves along the Kerala coast during the day.
Fishermen have been advised not to venture into the sea in vulnerable stretches, while coastal residents have been urged to remain alert and follow instructions issued by local authorities.
With the southwest monsoon remaining active over the state and several districts witnessing continuous rainfall over the past few days, authorities are closely monitoring the situation.
Disaster management agencies and district administrations have been asked to remain on alert as heavy showers, strong winds and localised flooding are expected to persist throughout the day.
–IANS
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