IMD issues yellow alert for parts of Kerala; rain activity likely till May 22

KOCHI: India meteorological department (IMD) issued yellow alert for heavy rainfall for Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Idukki, Ernakulam, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur and Kasaragod on Sunday.Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Idukki, Ernakulam, Thrissur, Palakkad and Malappuram will be on yellow alert on Monday.Rain or thundershowers are most likely at many places in Kerala till May 22, IMD said.Thunderstorms with gusty winds are likely to prevail in the state, and fishermen have been issued warnings till May 18.Yellow alert is issued for heavy rainfall between 64.5mm and 115.5mm in 24 hours.Meanwhile, there has been widespread rainfall activity over Nicobar Islands and adjoining areas of Andaman Islands during the past two days. The strength of westerlies (prevailing winds blowing from west to east) over the region has increased and is around 35kmph, gusting to 45kmph.