IMD issues red alert in three Keralam districts as heavy rain disrupts normal life

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued the red alert on Sunday in Malappuram, Kozhikode and Wayanad districts as heavy downpour disrupted normal life in Keralam.

Severe waterlogging in low-lying areas prompted authorities to order the closure of educational institutions and tourist destinations, including adventure tourism sites and trekking routes, in districts under a red alert.

It also issued an orange alert in 10 districts -- Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Ernakulam, Idukki, Thrissur, Palakkad and Kannur -- for the day and a yellow alert in Kasaragod district.

Besides that, it also forecasts strong winds at speeds of 40-50 kilometres per hour in various parts of the state.

A red alert indicates 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.