

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Heavy rain accompanied by strong winds lashed several districts across Kerala on Monday, causing waterlogging in low-lying areas, officials said.
In Alappuzha district, a fisherman died after his boat capsized near the Arthunkal coast following strong winds.
Police identified the deceased as Paul Devasia, a native of Arthunkal. He had gone out fishing early in the morning, and though other fishermen rescued him from the water, he later died, police said.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert for Kozhikode, Kasaragod, and Kannur districts, indicating the possibility of rainfall between 115.6 mm and 204 mm within 24 hours.
A yellow alert has also been issued for Wayanad, Malappuram, Palakkad, Thrissur, Ernakulam, Idukki, Kottayam, and Alappuzha districts, where rainfall between 64.5 mm and 115.5 mm is likely.
The IMD further warned of strong winds across all districts in the state.
Officials said heavy rain was reported in the northern districts since early morning, leading to waterlogging in parts of Kozhikode city, where water entered several shops near the KSRTC bus station.
Intense rainfall was also reported in the high-range regions of Malappuram and Kannur, while strong winds battered coastal areas.
Rain intensified in the central Kerala districts, including Ernakulam and Alappuzha, during the morning hours, authorities added.
Fishermen have been cautioned against venturing into the sea owing to rough weather conditions.