Heavy rain likely in Kerala; Red alert in 3 districts; ‘Dolphin’ cyclone heads towards China

Thiruvananthapuram: The India Meteorological Department has forecast heavy rain in several parts of Kerala in the coming hours. Weather alerts have been issued for all 14 districts. A Red Alert has been issued in Pathanamthitta, Kottayam and Idukki, while an Orange Alert is in place in Kollam, Alappuzha, Ernakulam, Kannur and Kasaragod. The remaining districts are under Yellow Alert.

The weather department has also warned of strong winds in Pathanamthitta. Although the rain had subsided in Thiruvananthapuram and Kollam districts, waterlogging continues in several areas. The possibility of more rain has raised concerns.

The continued heavy rain in Kerala is also believed to be partly due to the distant influence of Cyclone ‘Dolphin’ over the Pacific Ocean. The cyclone is expected to make landfall in China after Saturday. The intensity of rain in Kerala is likely to decrease as the cyclone weakens.