Vigorous southwest monsoon continued to lash parts of Kerala causing schools to shut down and forcing people to leave their homes which were damaged by uprooted trees or flooded by rising river water, forcing them to take shelter in the relief camps. The Indian Meteorological Department (MeT) has issued an Orange alert in six districts --- Idukki, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur, and Kasaragode --- for Thursday. Heavy rains have also lashed parts of Lakshadweep.