IMD has issued a red alert for Ernakulam, Idukki district of Kerala

The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) on Saturday issued a red alert for Ernakulam and Idukki districts of Kerala indicating heavy rains till May 16 and an orange warning for the southern districts.

Meteorologists have issued a red alert for Ernakulam and Idukki for Saturday and an orange warning for Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam and Thrissur districts till May 16.

A red warning indicates heavy to very heavy rainfall of more than 20 cm in 24 hours, while orange warning means very heavy rainfall of 6 cm to 20 cm. A yellow warning means heavy rainfall between 6 and 11 centimeters.

The IMD said that with wind speeds reaching 40-50 kmph, stormy weather could prevail along the Kerala coast and advised fishermen not to go to sea till May 16.

Meteorologists have also issued a yellow alert for Malappuram, Kozhikode and Wanad districts these days.

As it has been raining in the southern part of the state for the last few days, the district administration has issued a warning to the people living in low lying areas, river banks and hilly areas.

The IMD had earlier predicted that the south-west monsoon, also known as Idavapathi in the state, could bring the first rains to Kerala by May 27, five days before the normal start date.