Alert issued for several coastal states as heavy rains continue

India's weather office has issued alerts for several coastal states as heavy rains continue to lash parts of the country.

Goa

There is a red alert warning of extremely heavy rainfall in Goa over the next 24 hours and very heavy showers till July 10. In light of the weather warning, the state government has announced to shut schools for students up to Class 8 for the next two days, an official said. Regular classes will be held for students of Classes 9 to 12.

Karnataka

Heavy rains continue to disrupt normal life in coastal areas of Karnataka, causing damage to life and properties in the affected areas. Due to the downpour, rivers have swollen, inundating agricultural fields and low-lying areas, also landslides have been reported in hilly areas of Kodagu and Dakshina Kannada districts. A local holiday has been declared for all educational institutions on July 8 and 9 in Dakshina Kannada.

Kerala

The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) on Thursday issued a yellow alert to most of the districts in Kerala for next three days indicating isolated heavy rainfall, prompting the state government to deploy National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams in Idukki, Wayanad and Kozhikode districts. Parts of Kerala has been receiving incessant rains for the past few days and as per the State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA), a total of six people have died across the state due to rain-related incidents since July 3.

Gujarat

Heavy rains lashed parts of south Gujarat and the Saurashtra region on Thursday and more showers have been forecast in the state for the next four days.The south-west monsoon is now active all over the state due to a well-marked low pressure and associated cyclonic circulation over south Pakistan, an official said. According to the meteorological department, light to moderate rain and thunderstorms are expected to occur at most places in the state in the next four days.