KOCHI: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert for Kerala, anticipating heavy rains and strong winds over the next five days. This alert covers four districts: Pathanamthitta, Kottayam, Idukki, and Ernakulam.

Today, several areas in southern Kerala experienced intermittent rains, causing water levels in rivers like Manimala and Pamba to rise. The IMD has forecasted very heavy rainfall, ranging from 11 cm to 20 cm, for the districts under orange alert.

For the coming days, the alert will be in effect as follows:

Kottayam and Idukki on Sunday
Pathanamthitta and Ernakulam on Monday

Also, thunderstorms with light to moderate rainfall and gusty winds reaching speeds of up to 40 km/h are expected in Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Idukki, Ernakulam, and Thrissur.

The Central Water Commission (CWC) has also raised an orange alert for the banks of the Manimala River in Kottayam due to dangerously high water levels. Residents living near the river are advised to exercise extreme caution and avoid crossing the waterbody.

Coastal areas are warned about potential sea incursions. Local authorities have urged people living in coastal regions to be vigilant and advised avoiding night travel in high-risk areas. Those in fragile or unsafe housing are encouraged to relocate to safer locations.

IMD Weather Alerts for Kerala: August 17-21
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued various weather alerts for Kerala for the coming days due to anticipated heavy rainfall and storms. Here's a breakdown of the alerts by date and district:

Orange Alerts:

August 17: Pathanamthitta, Kottayam, Ernakulam, Idukki
August 18: Kottayam, Idukki, Kozhikode
August 19: Pathanamthitta, Ernakulam

Yellow Alerts:

August 17: Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Alappuzha, Thrissur, Palakkad, Kozhikode
August 18: Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Ernakulam, Malappuram, Wayanad, Kannur, Kasaragod
August 19: Kottayam, Idukki, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad
August 20: Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Ernakulam, Idukki, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Kannur
August 21: Alappuzha, Kottayam, Ernakulam, Idukki, Thrissur, Palakkad, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad

These alerts indicate potential heavy rains, strong winds, and possible thunderstorms. Residents are advised to stay updated on the weather conditions and take necessary precautions to ensure their safety.

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