Thiruvananthapuram: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a warning of heavy rainfall across Kerala on Saturday.

A yellow alert has been declared for Pathanamthitta, Kottayam, Ernakulam, Idukki, Thrissur, Palakkad, Malappuram, Kozhikode, and Wayanad districts.

The IMD noted that rainfall is likely to be particularly intense in the highland regions, with showers accompanied by thunderstorms and strong winds expected in the afternoon.

Due to the risk of strong winds and rough seas, authorities have banned fishing along the coasts of Kerala, Karnataka, and Lakshadweep.

Mullaperiyar dam shutters open

The Mullaperiyar dam in Idukki district began releasing water from its shutters at 8:00 am on Saturday following a rise in water levels.

Up to 5,000 cubic metres per second (cusecs) of excess water may be discharged. The Idukki district administration has urged residents living along the Periyar riverbanks to exercise extreme caution.