Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala is bracing for two more days of heavy rainfall as twin cyclonic circulations over the Bay of Bengal continue to intensify. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has sounded a yellow alert for eight districts on Friday — Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Idukki, Ernakulam, and Thrissur.
According to the IMD, the circulation hovering 5.8 km above sea level over southern Odisha and northern Andhra Pradesh coasts is driving the current spell of rain, with rainfall ranging between 64.5 mm and 115.5 mm in 24 hours.
While southern districts were lashed by intermittent downpours on Thursday, central and southern regions will continue to see strong spells over the next two days. Rainfall may ease after Saturday, but northern districts from Thrissur to Kasaragod are expected to be hit by heavy showers on the weekend.
Adding to concerns, another circulation over the east-central and northeast Bay of Bengal is likely to develop into a depression by Friday, strengthening further before making landfall on the Andhra Pradesh coast on September 27.
Authorities have warned of landslides, flash floods, and strong winds (30–40 km/h) in isolated areas. Fishermen have been strictly advised to avoid venturing into the sea along the Kerala, Lakshadweep, and Karnataka coasts on Friday and Saturday due to high waves and possible sea incursions.
