Heavy rains have been lashing various parts of Kerala, causing water levels in numerous rivers to rise to dangerous levels. This has prompted the evacuation of hundreds of people living in low-lying areas and along riverbanks, reported news agency PTI.

On Saturday, shutters of several dams in the Palakkad and Pathanamthitta districts were opened to release excess water.

As the rains continued, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued an orange alert for seven districts, which included Pathanamthitta, Kottayam, Ernakulam, Idukki, Thrissur, Malappuram, and Wayanad. An orange alert signifies very heavy rainfall ranging from 11 cm to 20 cm.