Kochi: Heavy rain lashed parts of the state, particularly Wayanad, Idukki and Malappuram which were under red alert, on Thursday. Several low-lying areas experienced flooding, while strong winds and heavy rain brought down hoardings, uprooted trees and disrupted normal life.A 29-year-old youth, Ramshad P K, died after being swept away by strong currents at Swapnakundu waterfalls in Malappuram. In Kannur, a toddy tapper, Rajeev (54), died after being struck by lightning. In Thiruvananthapuram, a fisherman, Antony S (64), went missing after his boat capsized in rough seas off Puthukurichy.For Friday, IMD issued an orange alert in Ernakulam, Idukki, Thrissur, Malappuram and Wayanad, and a yellow alert in the remaining districts.

A holiday has been declared for educational institutions in Ernakulam, Kottayam, Thrissur, Idukki, Wayanad, Palakkad, Pathanamthitta and Nilambur taluk in Malappuram.CM Pinarayi Vijayan said IMD had warned of possible flooding due to the heavy rain. The possibility of landslides is also very high and people should be prepared to move to safer locations in accordance with warnings issued by the authorities. People should avoid trips to water bodies and hills, he said.

Strong westerlies are likely to prevail over Kerala and Lakshadweep area for the next three days. A warning has also been issued for strong surface winds reaching up to 50-60 kmph on Friday.The central water commission and the state irrigation department have issued flood warnings for several river stations. The Thodupuzha station on Muvattupuzha, Cheruthuruthy and Thiruvegappura stations on Bharathapuzha are under orange alert.

Alerts have also been issued for various stations along the Achankovil, Manimala, Thodupuzha, Periyar, Muvattupuzha, Bharathapuzha, Chalakudy and Kabani rivers.

Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA) has warned against entering or crossing the rivers, besides asking those living near riverbanks to remain vigilant.A yellow alert has been issued in Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Alappuzha, Ernakulam, Thrissur, Palakkad and Kasaragod on Saturday.

On Sunday, Pathanamthitta, Kottayam, Idukki, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad and Kannur will be under yellow alert. Squally weather with wind speeds of 40–50 kmph, gusting up to 60 kmph, is likely along and off the Kerala coast. Fishermen have been advised not to venture into sea until Saturday.INCOIS has issued a high wave alert in Kasaragod-Kannur coastal stretch. High waves in the range of 3.0 to 3.2m are expected until 8.30am on Saturday.IMD said an upper air cyclonic circulation had led to the formation of a low-pressure area over the northwest Bay of Bengal, which is likely to move across north Odisha and adjoining areas.