People in six districts urged to remain cautious in coming hours; Orange alert issued, strong winds likely

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: After rainfall intensified across the state following a brief lull, landslides and loss of life have been reported in several districts. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned that during the next three hours, isolated areas of Kottayam, Idukki, Ernakulam, Thrissur, Palakkad and Malappuram are likely to receive moderate rain accompanied by thunderstorms (orange alert: for the next three hours only), along with strong winds reaching speeds of up to 40 kmph. Isolated areas of Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kozhikode, Wayanad and Kannur are likely to receive light rain.

Expected impacts

Traffic congestion may occur due to waterlogging on major roads and reduced visibility for vehicles.

Waterlogging or flooding is possible in low-lying areas and along riverbanks.

Uprooted trees could lead to power outages and accidents.

Partial damage to houses and temporary shelters.

Landslides and mudslides are likely.

Rain may adversely affect people and livestock and could damage unsafe structures in coastal areas.

Six people have died in the state following landslides and flash floods caused by heavy rain. Two people died after soil collapsed onto a shed at an agricultural site in Munnar's Vattavada. Two others died in a flash flood at Kottappuzha near T K Nagar in Nilambur, Malappuram. In Kottayam's Teekoy, a young woman died after a landslide fell onto a scooter.

Search operations for people reported missing in various locations began this morning.