Heavy rain in Kerala: Orange alert in Thiruvananthapuram, Aruvikkara dam shutters to be raised

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Heavy rain is likely to continue in Kerala over the next five days, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issuing an orange alert for Thiruvananthapuram. In view of the continuous rainfall in the catchment area, the shutters of the Aruvikkara dam will be raised further on Wednesday. The district administration has urged people living near the dam and along both banks of the river to remain alert.

The IMD said a deep depression was lying over eastern Telangana and adjoining coastal Andhra Pradesh. It is likely to move northwards and weaken into a well-marked low-pressure area within the next six hours. Cyclonic circulations are also prevailing over Lakshadweep and adjoining areas, as well as over south Tamil Nadu.

Under the influence of these weather systems, isolated heavy rainfall is likely in Kerala on November 4, 6, 7 and 8. The IMD has also forecast rain accompanied by thunderstorms and strong winds reaching speeds of 30-40 kmph from November 4 to 8.

An orange alert has been issued for Thiruvananthapuram for the next three hours. The district is likely to receive moderate rain accompanied by thunderstorms and strong winds reaching speeds of 40-50 kmph in isolated places.

Meanwhile, District Collector Anju K S said the shutters of the Aruvikkara dam would be raised further due to continuous rainfall in its catchment area. The inflow into the dam has increased, resulting in a steady rise in the water level.

Shutters 2, 3, 4 and 5 will be raised by another 20 cm each at 3.30 pm on Wednesday. This will take the total height of the shutters to 120 cm, including the 40 cm by which they had already been raised. The Collector has urged residents in the vicinity of the dam and those living along both banks of the river to exercise caution.

The IMD has issued yellow alerts in the following districts:
4/11/2026: Kottayam, Idukki and Wayanad
6/11/2026: Idukki and Ernakulam
7/11/2026: Pathanamthitta and Kottayam
8/11/2026: Alappuzha, Kottayam and Ernakulam

A yellow alert indicates the possibility of isolated heavy rainfall, with 64.5 mm to 115.5 mm of rain expected within 24 hours.