Hyderabad: The IMD has issued its first red alert as the Southwest monsoon hit Kerala on June 4^th. The decision was taken by IMD in the wake of reports that five districts in northern Kerala as heavy rains are lashing the State.

IMD predicted on Saturday that Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur and Kasaragod districts are likely to receive more than 20 cm of rainfall in 24 hours. Strong gusty winds toppled trees in Kozhikode and other areas on Friday morning. The IMD has said that these warnings will apply to some other districts on Sunday as well.

An orange alert has been issued for Idukki, Thrissur, Ernakulam, Kottayam, Palakkad and Pathanamthitta districts. A yellow alert has been issued for Alappuzha, Kollam and Thiruvananthapuram districts. According to the official sources there is a possibility of heavy rains with gusty winds of 40 to 50 Kms /hour across the state in the coming days.

Although the monsoon arrived later than the usual date, the authorities have been alerted as its intensity is high. The SDRF has advised people in landslide-prone and low-lying areas to move to safer places or relief camps. It has warned against travel to tourist areas, rivers and hilly areas.

It has asked people to contact the helpline numbers 1077 and 1070 for emergency assistance. The authorities are continuously reviewing the situation.