The weather department has issued a red alert for Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Ernakulam and Idukki.
According to the latest reports, four deaths were reported across the state in various rain-related incidents, the Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA) said.
Although Alappuzha, Kottayam and Ernakulam were earlier placed under orange alert, the IMD later upgraded the alert, forecasting extremely heavy rains at isolated places.
A red alert indicates heavy to extremely heavy rain of more than 20 cm in 24 hours, while an orange alert means very heavy rain of 11 cm to 20 cm and a yellow alert means heavy rainfall between 6 cm and 11 cm .
Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Malappuram, Kozhikode and Wayanad remain on orange alert, while Kannur and Kasaragod remain on yellow alert, the IMD said.
Meanwhile, parts of Cochin Municipality in Ernakulam district were inundated after heavy rains on Wednesday evening (May 22). Houses and main roads in parts of Kochi were inundated by the sudden rains, while low-lying areas of Thrissur city were also inundated.
The KSDMA has warned fishermen not to venture into the sea until further notice.
High waves in the range of 0.4 to 3.3 meters and maritime incursions are expected along the Kerala coast from Vizhinjam in the south to Kasaragod in the north until Thursday evening, authorities said.
Meanwhile, following the incessant heavy rains, a state control room was opened at the Directorate of the Health Department as part of efforts to strengthen epidemic prevention activities, the minister said of Health, Veena George.
The control room was launched with the aim of coordinating various activities of the Ministry of Health and dispelling doubts among health workers and the general public, the minister said in a statement.
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