Thiruvananthapuram: With heavy rain continuing to lash various parts of Kerala on Thursday, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a red alert in Thrissur and Ernakulam districts. An orange alert was issued in 8 districts- Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Idukki, Palakkad, Malappuram, Kozhikode and Wayanad. A yellow alert was issued in the remaining four districts. Due to the presence of a cyclonic circulation over the State and low pressure area in the Bay of Bengal, the rain is likely to intensify in the next two days. A red alert indicates heavy to extremely heavy rain of over 20 cm in 24 hours, while an orange alert means very heavy rain of 11 cm to 20 cm, and a yellow alert means heavy rainfall between 6 cm and 11 cm.
The KSDMA has warned the fishermen against venturing into sea until further warning.
High waves in the range of 0.4 to 3.3 metres and sea incursions are forecast along the coast of Kerala from Vizhinjam in the south to Kasaragod in the north until Thursday night, authorities said.
Several parts of Kochi city, including tech hub Infopark and its premises at Kakkanad saw heavy waterlogging on Thursday. Two-wheelers parked along the roads and at least 20 houses in Kalamassery and suburbs were inundated. Waterlogging was reported in Vytilla, MG Road, Kadavanthra, South Chittur and KSRTC bus stand.
Low-lying areas of Thrissur city were also inundated. The ground floor of Aswini hospital was flooded due to the incessant rains. The casualty had to be shifted upstairs as the water was knee-deep. According to reports, clogging of drains led to the floods. Premises of Guruvayoor temple were also inundated.