Thiruvananthapuram: Cyclone Tauktae, which was formed over the Arabian Sea, has intensified into a “very severe cyclonic storm” on Sunday. It will move away from Kerala and hit the Karnataka coast. It will move north-northwestwards crossing the Gujarat coast in the morning of May 18, according to Indian Meteorological Department (IMD).

As the cyclone Tauktae lay centered over Arabian sea, Kerala will experience very heavy rainfall till Monday. The IMD has sounded orange alert in Ernakulam, Idukki and Malappuram districts and yellow alert in other districts.

Due to the strong winds and heavy rainfall, severe damages were seen in Kerala. Two persons were killed in rain-related incidents in Kozhikode and Ernakulam. Within two days, Kerala recorded an average of 145.5 mm rainfall. In Kochi and Peermade, rainfall received was over 200 mm within 24 hours.

Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan informed that there is no flood threat in Manimalayar and Achankovil river and those living on the banks of rivers must exercise caution. The CM also informed that major dams have not reached their full capacity and people need not be anxious or concerned.