Thu Jun 26 05:38:34 UTC 2025: **News Article:**
**Kerala Braces for More Intense Monsoon Rains as Orange Alert Issued for Eight Districts**
**Thiruvananthapuram, June 26, 2025** – Kerala is bracing for further heavy rainfall as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued an orange alert for eight districts: Pathanamthitta, Kottayam, Ernakulam, Idukki, Thrissur, Palakkad, Malappuram, and Kannur. The alert warns of very heavy rains today, June 26, 2025, triggered by a surge of westerlies strengthening the monsoon spells. A yellow alert, indicating isolated heavy rains, is in effect for the remaining districts of the state.
The strengthening winds over the Arabian Sea have also contributed to extreme rainfall events, particularly in the ghat regions along eastern Kerala. Lower Sholayar in Thrissur recorded a staggering 218 mm of rainfall up to midnight on Wednesday, categorized as an extreme rainfall event. Other ghat regions in Idukki, Kottayam, Palakkad, Thrissur, Malappuram, and Wayanad are also experiencing very heavy rains.
The Aluva Siva Temple in Ernakulam has already been affected, with flooding reported due to the rising water levels of the Periyar river, a consequence of the heavy monsoon rains in Kochi. Authorities are urging residents in the affected areas to exercise caution and stay informed about weather updates.
First Piper 