The India Meteorological Department predicted heavy rain across Kerala in the next three days. The state government sounded a red alert in Ernakulam and Idukki districts.
An orange alert has been declared on Saturday in another six districts as heavy to very heavy rains have been predicted in the next two days. Chief Secretary V P Joy held an emergency meeting for heads of all departments to review the preparedness of the state machinery.
The state disaster management authority has suggested opening of control rooms in all taluk headquarters, reported The Indian Express.
Kerala has been experiencing isolated heavy spells of rain over the last week.
Yesterday, the weather office announced the monsoon is likely to reach Kerala a week before the normal onset of June 1. According to the weather bulletin issued by the IMD, the southwest monsoon is likely to advance into the South Andaman Sea tomorrow instead of May 22.
K. Santosh, head of the IMD's regional centre in Thiruvananthapuram, told The Hindu Cyclone Asani dragged the moisture towards Andaman a week before the normal progress of the monsoon winds. Another low-pressure system is also expected to form over the South China Sea by May 19 which will strengthen the monsoon winds towards Kerala.
The State already recorded 69% excess rainfall in the summer season.