Heavy rains lash parts of South Kerala

Heavy rains lashed several parts of South Kerala on Friday and several cases of water-logging and flash floods were reported from rural areas of Thiruvananthapuram. The weathermen has also issued a 'yellow alert' in three districts-- Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha and Idukki-- warning of heavy isolated rains.

Yellow alert indicates the possibility of severe weather over the next few days. Heavy rains were reported in hilly and low lying

areas and with Karamana river overflowing following the opening of five shutters of the Aruvikkara dam, many areas were water-logged.

Many low-lying areas in Thiruvananthapuram were inundated as pre-monsoon showers gained strength. The Killiyar, a main tributary of Karamana river, which passes through the city has been overflowing, resulting in knee-deep water due to heavy rain in city area.

"Four shutters were opened up to 1.25 m and one shutter up to 1.5 m due to heavy inflow into the reservoir," a senior official of Kerala Water Authority said.

The district administration Friday issued warning that as the dam's shutters have been opened, the water level of Karamana river would rise and asked the people on the banks to be cautious.

The Kerala State Electricity Board said due to bad weather, the Board has been suffering heavy loss. "We have enough water now. However, the heavy wind and rain have caused huge loss to the equipment of the Board at various places across the state," a senior official of the KSEB said.

He also said the Board was yet to ascertain the loss as the pre-monsoon showers continued. According to a weather update from the India Meteorological Department (IMD), thunderstorm accompanied with lightning and gusty winds (speed reaching 30 to 40 kmph) was likely to occur at one or two places over Kerala and Mahe on three days from Friday. The South West monsoon is expected to hit Kerala coast on June 5.

(Photo credit: PTI)