Heavy rainfall is set to continue across Kerala, prompting the India Meteorological Department (IMD) to issue an orange alert for nine districts and a yellow alert for three others. The alerts come as the state braces for isolated downpours that could deliver between 12 cm and 20 cm of rain in the affected areas .
In response to forecast, educational institutions in Kozhikode and Wayanad have been closed for day. district collectors announced a holiday for all schools,colleges, and tuition centers in Kozhikode, while residential institutions will remain open. Wayanad has similarly declared holiday for educational facilities, although residential schools and colleges are exempt from the closure.
The IMD has warned that the persistent rains could severely disrupt daily life, leading to potential waterlogging, reduced visibility,and flooding in low-lying regions. Strong winds,with speeds reaching up to 50 km/h and gusts hitting 60 km/h, are also expected along coast, raising concerns about falling trees and damage to power lines.
As of Tuesday morning,the highest rainfall recorded was in Vythiri,Wayanad,with 12 cm. Other areas,including Urumi in Kozhikode and Nilambur in Malappuram,reported 11 cm and 8 cm,respectively . The rainfall has already had tragic consequences; a landslide in Kalladi,Wayanad,resulted in deaths of three individuals working on a twin tunnel project, with nine others sustaining injuries . Chief Minister V D Satheesan is expected to visit the site on Wednesday to assess the situation.
The IMD's alerts indicate a yellow warning for Kottayam,Pathanamthitta,and Alappuzha,where rainfall between 7 cm and 12 cm is anticipated. The orange alert encompasses Kasaragod,Kannur,Kozhikode,Malappuram,Wayanad, Thrissur,Palakkad,Ernakulam, and Idukki districts.
Residents in vulnerable areas are urged to remain vigilant and heed the advice of local authorities. IMD has cautioned that adverse weather conditions could lead to landslides in hilly regions,as well as partial damage to homes and infrastructure. Fishermen have been advised to stay out of the sea due to the squally weather conditions expected to persist until Thursday.
