With heavy rains lashing various parts of Kerala, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued red alerts for Ernakulam and Thrissur.

The Indian weather body also issued orange alert for Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Idukki, Palakkad, Malappuram, Kozhikode and Wayanad districts in the state, battered by pre-monsoon rains.

The red alert indicates  heavy to extremely heavy rain of over 20 cm in 24 hours.

Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has alerted people about extreme rainfall.

He was quoted as saying by India Today: " Heavy rainfall in a short period of time is what is expected. It may cause flash floods. Waterlogging is also likely to occur in urban areas and low-lying areas in general. Continued rainfall may trigger landslides and landslides. "

He urged people to be careful.