The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Thursday issued a red alert in eight districts of Kerala as heavy rainfall continued to lash various parts of the state. Many people have been displaced from their homes as rivers overflow and flood the surrounding areas.

A red alert was issued in Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Ernakulam, Idukki, Thrissur, Palakkad and Kannur while an orange alert was issued in the remaining districts except for Thiruvananthapuram where a yellow alert is in place.

Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan warned residents along the banks of the river Chalakkudi to be ready to evacuate as per instructions of the authorities. He also asked the people living in low-lying areas of Thrissur and Ernakulam districts to be cautious.