Weather Forecast Today: Heavy rainfall wreaks havoc in Kerala; Southern Naval Command on alert

This live blog has ended.

Six people have died after heavy rain triggered landslides in parts of Kerala. The IMD, meanwhile, had sounded a 'Red Alert' for at least five districts in light of the situation.

Read the full report here: 6 dead after rain triggers landslides in Kerala; IMD sounds 'Red Alert' for 5 districts

At least six people died and a dozen were missing on Saturday as heavy rains pounded south and central Kerala causing flash floods and landslides in many parts, prompting the state government to seek the assistance of the defence forces for rescue operations, reported PTI.

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan called for a high-level meeting and decided to step up the rescue operations keeping the Covid protocols in mind, reported News 18. He said that immediate efforts must be taken to intensify rescue operations and evacuate stranded people in flood-battered areas. Camps will have to follow all the Covid protocols and drinking water, medicines, sanitizers and masks must be available, the report said.

The Kerala government has sought assistance from the Indian Air Force (IAF) in search and rescue operations after ten people were reported missing due to heavy rains.

Read the full report here: Kerala rains: Atleast 10 missing in Kottayam, IAF assistance sought

According to ANI, in view of the red alert in five districts of Kerala, the Southern Naval Command has intensified its efforts to help the local administration in the rescue operations. The Kerala State Disaster Management Authority has sought assistance from Southern Naval Command, Kochi to airlift marooned families in Kottayam. The driving and rescue teams will be deployed shortly.

According to news agency ANI, one person has died in Thodupuzha due to heavy rains in Kerala and twelve people are reportedly missing in a landslide in rural Kottayam.

According to the weather agency, Chennai is likely to receive light rainfall with thunderstorms over the weekend.

Read the full report here: IMD predicts light rainfall with thunderstorms for Chennai over the weekend

The weather agency has warned of heavy rainfall in Kerala till October 17, reported news agency ANI.

According to a report published in the New Indian Express, the weather office has predicted rainfall with thunderstorms in the national capital till October 18. The cool breeze may get suppressed over the weekend and there are chances that there may be a slight increase in the night temperature. A fresh spell of rainfall has been predicted for northwest India from Saturday.

The weather agency has forecast widespread rainfall in Kerala under the influence of a low pressure being formed over the east central and adjoining southeast Arabian Sea off Lakshadweep area. An orange alert has been sounded for northern districts of Kerala and heavy rainfall has been predicted.

According to the IMD, the rainfall activity is expected to increase in Andhra Pradesh today and fishermen have been advised not to venture out in the sea. The weather office has forecast moderate to heavy rainfall over most places of north coastal Andhra Pradesh.

The IMD in an official statement said that the sea would be rough to very rough and people are advised not to venture into the sea.

According to a notification issued by the Telangana State Development Planning Society (TSDPS), the state is likely to receive heavy rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms for the next few days. However, the capital city, Hyderabad, is expected to remain dry and several districts may witness light to moderate rainfall. The IMD has forecast moderate rainfall with thunderstorms for Hyderabad on Saturday.

A yellow alert has been sounded for Odisha and heavy rainfall has been predicted for several districts. According to the IMD, Gajapati, Ganjam, Rayagada, Koraput, and Malkangiri are expected to receive heavy rainfall. A heavy rainfall alert has been issued for several districts in Odisha till October 19 due to the formation of a low pressure area over the Bay of Bengal.