Heavy rains lash central and southern Kerala; Orange alert issued for Pathanamthitta, Idukki

Thiruvananthapuram: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a weather alert warning of intensified rainfall across Kerala in the coming days, with chances of isolated thunderstorms and lightning expected through Saturday.

Several districts across central and southern Kerala experienced widespread rainfall on Thursday, with the heaviest downpour recorded in Lower Sholayar, Thrissur (80 mm), followed by Pathanamthitta (68 mm) and Karumadi in Alappuzha (55 mm), according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD).

Significant rainfall was also reported from various parts of Kollam and Pathanamthitta, while districts like Thiruvananthapuram, Kottayam, and Kochi recorded moderate showers, with the state capital registering 29 mm.

The IMD has issued an Orange alert for Pathanamthitta and Idukki, indicating very heavy rainfall between 11 cm and 20 cm.

A yellow alert for seven districts: Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Ernakulam, Thrissur, and Palakkad, predicting heavy rain between 6 cm and 10 cm.

For Friday, yellow alerts have been extended to eight districts, from Thrissur down to Thiruvananthapuram, as the wet spell is expected to persist.

The current rainfall is attributed to a low-pressure area that developed over north Odisha and the adjoining Bay of Bengal, which has since weakened but left a cyclonic circulation that continues to impact the region.

Rain was also reported in most parts of Lakshadweep, according to IMD observations.