KOCHI: Over a dozen teams of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) were been deployed as heavy rains lashed many parts of Kerala and huge tidal waves started hitting low-lying coastal areas.

According to the Central Meteorological Department, the low-pressure area in the south-eastern Arabian Sea has intensified into a severe depression leading to the change in the sudden change in weather. Even though Kerala is not in the predicted path of the cyclone, heavy rains, strong winds and strong sea gusts are expected till May 16.

Red alerts have been sounded in Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha and Ernakulam districts for the next two to three days while Northern districts, like Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur and Kasargod, would be on red alert from Saturday onwards. Fishermen have been warned not to venture into the sea till further notice.

In some coastal belts, tidal waves have entered the seaside areas, posing a threat to the village's flooding due to high tides and flooding. Anticipating more massive tidal flooding in the next few days the authorities have started shifting to safety people living in the low-lying seaside regions of the southern part of the state.

Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan who is taking very close stock of the situation has said that the state administration has taken steps to deal with any calamity arising out of the cyclonic storm. He said that steps have been also taken to relocate the vulnerable people in all the places.

Briefing media people Vijayan said, "We should exercise utmost caution in districts and adjoining districts where the Meteorological Department has issued red and orange alerts."

"The cyclone is developing and moving faster than expected. It is likely to move north from the Kerala coast by Saturday. The northern districts of Kannur and Kasaragod are most likely to be affected by the winds. Winds are also expected in nearby districts. Therefore, it is important to be prepared," Vijayan said.

"People should be prepared to move to camps set up by the local bodies and the Revenue Department as per the instructions of the Disaster Management Authority. Extensive preparations have been made. Central and State forces are ready to deal with any emergency," he said.

According to the CM, NDRF teams have been deployed in Kollam, Alappuzha, Idukki, Pathanamthitta, Ernakulam, Thrissur, Malappuram, Kozhikode and Wayanad districts while the Army Defence Service Corps has deployed one team to Kasargod and two teams to Kannur.

"Two teams of the Army are on standby in Thiruvananthapuram. An engineering task force is also ready in Bengaluru. Two Air Force helicopters are on standby. They will be assisted by State police, fire brigade and trained civil defence volunteers," he said.

Meanwhile, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has said that the southwest monsoon is likely to arrive over Kerala on May 31, a day earlier than its normal onset date.