Thiruvananthapuram
-Madhuri Adnal
Kerala remained on high alert on Wednesday as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a yellow alert for 11 districts, warning of heavy rain, localised flooding, poor visibility and the possibility of landslips in vulnerable hilly regions. As the monsoon intensified across the state, authorities declared a holiday for educational institutions in Kozhikode and Wayanad.
The yellow alert has been issued for Kasaragod, Kannur, Kozhikode, Malappuram, Wayanad, Thrissur, Palakkad, Ernakulam, Idukki, Kottayam and Alappuzha. The IMD has forecast isolated heavy rainfall of between 7 cm and 12 cm over a 24-hour period in these districts. Residents have been advised to avoid unnecessary travel, particularly through flood-prone and landslip-sensitive stretches.
Kerala is on alert for heavy rain in 11 districts, with school holidays declared in Kozhikode and Wayanad due to flooding and landslip risks; a Wayanad landslip caused 3 fatalities.
Schools Closed in Kozhikode and Wayanad
The Kozhikode district administration announced a holiday on Wednesday for schools, colleges, professional institutions, tuition centres, madrasas and anganwadis. Residential schools and colleges, however, will continue to function as students are already staying on campus.
A similar order has been issued in neighbouring Wayanad, where schools, colleges and anganwadis will remain closed due to the heavy rain forecast and concerns over the district’s vulnerable hill terrain. Residential educational institutions have been exempted, while university and Public Service Commission examinations will be held as scheduled.
The decision follows persistent rainfall over the past 24 hours, particularly in Wayanad, Kozhikode, Kannur and Malappuram. District administrations typically review weather forecasts, road conditions, access routes, landslip-prone areas and inputs from disaster management authorities before announcing school closures.
Flooding and Landslip Risk
The weather department has warned that continued rainfall could disrupt normal life in several parts of Kerala. Waterlogging is expected in low-lying areas and places with poor drainage, while heavy spells of rain may reduce visibility, making travel on highways and ghat roads hazardous.
People living near rivers, streams and other low-lying areas have been advised to remain cautious as prolonged rainfall could trigger localised flooding. The IMD has also warned of strong winds that may uproot trees, damage power lines and cause temporary power outages. Some isolated damage to houses and temporary structures cannot be ruled out.
Hilly districts, especially Wayanad and Idukki, remain particularly vulnerable during the monsoon. Saturated soil, steep slopes and ongoing construction activity increase the likelihood of landslides and landslips. Residents in identified risk zones have been urged to stay alert and follow instructions issued by local authorities without delay.
Fishermen Asked to Stay Ashore
The IMD has forecast squally weather along and off the Kerala coast until Thursday, with wind speeds of 40 to 50 kmph and gusts reaching up to 60 kmph. Fishermen have been advised not to venture into the sea, as rough conditions could pose a serious risk to small and medium-sized fishing vessels.
Authorities have also cautioned coastal residents to stay updated with official advisories. Strong winds and high waves may affect fishing harbours, boat landing centres and coastal roads. Local administrations are coordinating with fisheries officials, police and disaster management teams to ensure warnings reach fishing communities in time.
Northern Kerala Receives Heaviest Rainfall
Rainfall data released by the IMD showed that Vythiri in Wayanad received the highest rainfall in the state during the 24-hour period ending at 8.30 am on Tuesday, recording 12 cm. Urumi in Kozhikode followed with 11 cm, highlighting the intensity of rainfall across northern Kerala.
Nilambur in Malappuram, Ayyankunnu and Chemberi in Kannur each recorded 8 cm of rainfall, while Vadakara in Kozhikode and Madikkai in Kasaragod received 7 cm each. These figures fall within the IMD’s classification for heavy rainfall.
Wayanad Landslip Raises Fresh Concerns
The continuing rain has already taken a toll in Wayanad. A landslip at the twin tunnel project site in Kalladi on Tuesday claimed three lives and left nine others injured, raising fresh concerns about safety at construction sites and settlements located near unstable slopes.
Leader of Opposition V D Satheesan is expected to visit the site on Wednesday. Officials are continuing to monitor the affected area, as persistent rainfall can further weaken surrounding slopes even after the initial landslip. Rescue and engineering teams remain on alert.
Authorities have urged residents to stay away from flooded roads, riverbanks, unstable slopes and areas where trees or power lines appear damaged. People living in landslip-prone regions have also been advised to keep essential documents, medicines and emergency supplies ready, and to comply immediately with any evacuation orders.
