Heavy rains lash parts of Kerala; Orange alert in two districts

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an Orange alert in Pathanamthitta and Idukki districts in Kerala for today (September 4) and tomorrow, even as heavy rains continued to lash many parts of the state.

An Orange alert means very heavy rains from 6 cm to 20 cm.

Two people have died in these heavy rains in Alappuzha district. The two rain-related deaths occurred in an accident on Sunday evening, when an autorickshaw driver carrying a family of four lost control amidst the heavy rains, as a result of which the vehicle overturned and fell into the Achankovil river.

While a woman died in the mishap, her son had gone missing. The woman's husband, daughter and the autorickshaw driver were rescued by locals, said a fire rescue official. "The body of the boy was found this morning after search operations by a scuba team," the official said. 

Landslides in Pathanamthitta district

In Pathanamthitta district, due to isolated heavy rains over the last three days, landslides were reported from some parts and one shutter of the Moozhiyar dam was opened which would lead to rise in the water level of Pamba river, the local administration said.

It also said heavy rains were expected in some parts of the district and therefore, a holiday was declared on Monday for educational institutions in Konni taluk.

The IMD also predicted that moderate rain was likely to occur at one or two places in Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Idukki and Ernakulam districts during the day. It said the moderate rain was likely to continue in Kerala for the next five days with a possibility of heavy rains at isolated places from September 4 to 8.

High waves and storm surges

Meanwhile, the Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS) said that there was a possibility of high waves and storm surges along the Kerala coast during the day.

Fishermen and coastal residents have been asked to be cautious and stay away from the dangerous areas as well as avoid trips to the beach or any sea-related activities.

Instructions were also issued to keep fishing and other vessels safely moored in the harbour and to maintain a safe gap between the boats to avoid the risk of their colliding with each other. 

(With input from agencies)