Heavy rains lash parts of Kerala; Met Dept issues red alert in 6 districts

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Monday issued red alert for six districts in Kerala after heavy rains lashed many parts of the state. The districts are Thiruvananthapuram, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Ernakulam, Idukki, Thrissur and Palakkad.

A prolonged period of rainy weather that could last for a couple of days is possible across the state. "Monitor local weather from official sources," said Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan.

Squally weather with wind speed of 45-55 kmph is likely to prevail over Kerala coast and fishermen are advised not to venture into the sea.

This is the first time that the IMD has issued red alert