A red alert has issued in three districts of Kerala for extremely heavy rainfall that is likely to occur in many parts of the state from Thursday to Saturday. According to media reports, a depression is likely to be formed near Sri Lanka and southeast of the Arabian Sea by Friday. Red alert has been issued in Idukki, Thrissur and Palakkad districts. The Indian Met Department has predicted heavy to very heavy rainfall at one or two places in the state till October 7. On Wednesday, the department said: “Heavy to very heavy rain with extremely heavy falls likely at isolated places over Tamil Nadu and Kerala. Rough to very rough Sea conditions are likely to prevail over South and the Central Arabian Sea. Fishermen are advised not to venture into these areas.” The state disaster management authority has decided to take necessary precautions and to warn the public. The central forces are asked to be prepared. Five additional teams of NDRF will be deployed in Kerala in view of hostile conditions. The government has told fishermen not to venture into the sea after October 5 following warning of a cyclone by the meterological department, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said on Wednesday. The government is making arrangements to inform people in the coastal areas of the state, he said. “The IMD has sounded a red alert in Idukki, Palakkad and Thrissur districts, as very heavy rains have been predicted on October 7, while several parts of the state are likely to get heavy rains on October 5,” the Chief Minister told media. District authorities have been asked to be ready for any eventuality as landslides can be expected, said Vijayan. “In view of the forecast, it’s better to avoid travel at night, especially in the hilly areas. Starting Friday, travel towards Munnar should be avoided until further orders. Also, those living along the banks of lakes and rivers should not go out for fishing,” said Vijayan.