Kochi, October 5: A high alert was issued in Kerala after the India Meteorological Department’s (IMD) predicted heavy rainfall in the state. Reports inform that Kerala is under the influence of cyclone circulation which is presently over South-east Arabian Sea. In view of the IMD prediction, a red alert has been sounded in Idukki and Malappuram districts with heavy rains expected on Sunday. Meanwhile, one shutter of Idukki Cheruthoni dam which was to be opened on Friday will remain closed as the district authorities have decided not to open it as the rain has declined. Shutters of dams in Thrissur and Palakkad districts were lifted on Thursday evening to drain out excess water.

Kerala is expected to witness heavy to very heavy rainfall for the next five days, the IMD said in its release. The sea condition is also expected to be very rough from Saturday. A district wise warning has been issued in this regard informed Director of Kerala Meteorological Department on Thursday. Apart from Kerala, the Karnataka government has sounded an alert in 12 districts as IMD forecasted heavy rains in South interior parts of the southern state. Kerala Heavy Rains Alert: Government Opens Four Shutters Of Malampuzha Dam In Palakkad. 

K Santosh, Director of India Meteorological Department, Thiruvananthapuram told ANI that under the influence of cyclone circulation which is currently over South-east Arabian Sea, a low-pressure area is expected to form near Lakshadweep during the next 24 hours. "The influence is likely to intensify further into a depression in subsequent 36 hours and then move North-westwards and develop into a cyclonic storm", he added. The IMD predicted heavy to very heavy rainfall in Idukki, Palakkad and Thrissur district on October 7. 

Under the influence of the cyclone circulation, Kerala, that was ravaged by the south-west monsoon in August, is bracing for more rains this month. The southern state Kerala is expected to receive heavy to very heavy rainfall for the next five days. Fishermen have been advised to not venture into the sea for the next three-four days. In August this year, the state had witnessed a fury of the southwest monsoon which was believed to be the worst in the last 100 years. The deluge in the southern state claimed 493 lives and swamped several districts.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 05, 2018 03:56 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).