Kerala Hit by Severe Rains and Winds, Educational Institutions Closed

Heavy rains and strong winds continue to affect Kerala, leading authorities to close educational institutions in seven districts. With northern districts on red alert and others on orange alert, damage to property and transport disruptions are reported. Several dams have been opened, risking further flooding and waterlogging.

Incessant downpour accompanied by gusty winds continued to batter several parts of Kerala, prompting authorities to declare a holiday for educational institutions in seven districts on Monday.

The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) predicted extremely heavy rainfall in northern Malappuram, Kannur and Kasaragod districts and placed these northern districts under red alert.

According to its latest update, the weatherman issued an orange alert in Ernakulam, Thrissur, Palakkad, Idukki, Kozhikode and Wayanad districts.

In Kottayam district, fallen trees damaged homes and vehicles following heavy rains and gusty winds since early morning.

Several houses suffered partial damage in the rural areas of northern Kozhikode including Onchiyam, Kottur, Payyoli and nearby areas.

This spate of heavy monsoon showers and strong winds has been reported statewide for the last two days.

In response, district authorities of Thrissur, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Kannur, Kasaragod, Ernakulam and Wayanad have declared a holiday for educational institutions.

Shutters of various dams were also raised due to the intensified rains.

The district administration in Pathanamthitta urged residents in the catchment area of Moozhiyar Dam to stay extra vigilant as its shutters were raised.

The Kerala Disaster Management Authority warned that waterlogging on major roads and poor visibility for vehicles may lead to severe traffic congestion.

Flooding in many low-lying areas and river banks, as well as the uprooting of trees, may cause significant disruptions and damage, particularly in the power sector, the KSDMA added.

A red alert indicates heavy to extremely heavy rain of over 20 cm in 24 hours, while an orange alert signifies very heavy rain of 11 cm to 20 cm.