Pictures: Heavy rains lash south Indian state of Kerala, coastal areas badly hit

The after effects of the deep depression formed over Lakshadweep in the Arabian Sea that intensified into a cyclonic storm (Tauktae) over the archipelago and adjoining southeast east central Arabian Sea moving northwards during the past six hours, has caused huge damage to the coastal areas in Kerala.

Even though the depression is approximately around 290 km away from Kannur, on account of the heavy rains across the state, and with the sea turning rough, the state government has been forced to open numerous camps across the state to move people to safety.

Police and rescue personnel evacuate local residents from a flooded house in Kochi.

According to the India Meteorological Department Tauktae is very likely to intensify further into a severe cyclonic storm during the next 24 hours and expected to move north-north-westwards and reach near the Gujarat coast by May 18 morning.

Police and rescue personnel evacuate a local resident through a flooded street in Kochi.

Strong wind continues to lash following the Cyclone alert in Thiruvananthapuram.

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has informed the preparedness of the state in facing any calamity arising out of the cyclonic storm.

"Even though, Kerala is not in the predicted path of the cyclone, heavy rains, strong winds and strong sea gusts are expected in the State till May 16. We should exercise utmost caution in districts and adjoining districts where the Meteorological Department has issued a Red and Orange Alert," said Vijayan and appealed to all to cooperate with the authorities and move out to camps whenever told.

Even though so far there has been no casualties reported, the rain and the rough sea has caused innumerable hardships to the people, who are already battling the Covid pandemic.

People wade through a water logged Attakulangara road after heavy rain in Thiruvananthapuram.

Fisherman anchored Boats at Valiyathura coast following the Cyclone alert in Thiruvananthapuram.

View of a waterlogging street due to rainfall in Chellanam. The worst affected on account of the rough sea include the coastal hamlets in the state capital, parts of Kollam, Alappuzha, Ernakulam, Thrissur, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Kannur and Kasargode.

Police and rescue personnel evacuate local residents from a flooded house in Kochi.

People wade through a waterlogged Chalai market following the heavy rain in Thiruvananthapuram.

Starting Friday night, huge number of trees were uprooted and power supply disrupted for long hours on account of the high speed winds and heavy rain. In many places the supply was restored on Saturday, while in few places it's yet to be restored.

High tide waves lashed the Poonthura coast following the Cyclone alert in Thiruvananthapuram.