The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast widespread rainfall across Kerala from Thursday, with intensified showers expected over central and northern parts of the state during the next 48 hours.
The weather department has issued an orange alert for seven districts—Kasaragod, Kannur, Ernakulam, Idukki, Kottayam, Alappuzha and Pathanamthitta—indicating the likelihood of heavy to very heavy rainfall. The remaining seven districts have been placed under a yellow alert.
The IMD has warned that parts of northern Kerala could receive extremely heavy rainfall on Friday and advised residents, particularly those living in hilly and landslide-prone areas, to remain vigilant.
As a precautionary measure, educational institutions in Kottayam taluk, Thiruvalla taluk in Pathanamthitta district, and the Kuttanad, Chengannur and Karthikappally taluks of Alappuzha district will remain closed on Thursday.
Schools and colleges functioning as relief camps in Wayanad, Kozhikode, Idukki, Kottayam, Thrissur, Alappuzha and Pathanamthitta have also been declared closed to facilitate relief operations.
Disaster management authorities said district administrations, emergency response teams and local bodies have been placed on alert, with continuous monitoring of river levels and other vulnerable locations. People have been advised to avoid unnecessary travel to high-range areas, follow official advisories and cooperate with local authorities.
Meanwhile, the Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS) has issued a ‘Kallakkadal’ (swell surge) warning for parts of the Kerala coast. High waves measuring 1.1 to 1.4 metres are expected along sections of the Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam and Alappuzha coasts until 11:30 p.m. on Thursday.
Fishermen and coastal residents have been advised to stay away from vulnerable shorelines as a precaution.
Officials said the active southwest monsoon is expected to replenish rivers, reservoirs and groundwater in several parts of the state that had witnessed recent dry spells, while stressing that timely preparedness and public cooperation remain crucial in mitigating the impact of heavy rainfall.
(With inputs from IANS)
