Heavy Rains Trigger Red Alert Across Kerala's High Ranges

The northeast monsoon has caused heavy rains across Kerala's high ranges, prompting an 'orange alert' and a 'red alert' in various districts. Schools are closed, and recreational and adventure activities are suspended. The Indian Meteorological Department warns of 'extremely heavy rainfall' in affected areas.

Kerala's high ranges are experiencing relentless heavy rains, triggered by the northeast monsoon. The severe weather has resulted in flooding across low-lying areas and an 'orange alert' from the Indian Meteorological Department.

Widespread downpours have hit districts like Thiruvananthapuram, Kannur, Kozhikode, and Idukki. A 'red alert' has been issued, forecasting extremely heavy rainfall in Idukki, Ernakulam, Thrissur, Palakkad, and Malappuram. This has led to school closures and suspensions of all water-based and adventure tourism activities in the affected areas.

District collector Dinesan Cheruvat has banned quarrying and soil excavation activities, with exceptions for disaster management operations. The alerts suggest rainfall reaching over 20 cm in 24 hours for a 'red alert' and between 11 cm to 20 cm for an 'orange alert'.

(With inputs from agencies.)