Heavy Rain Batters Kerala; IMD Issues Yellow Alert for 11 Districts, Holiday For Schools In Thrissur

Several parts of Kerala witnessed heavy to very heavy rainfall in the last 24 hours, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD).

"RARS Kumarakom (Kottayam) recorded the highest rainfall at 119 mm, followed by Vaikom (118.5 mm) and Kottayam AWS (100.5 mm). Heavy rainfall was also reported from Thrissur, Kannur, Alappuzha, Kasaragod, Palakkad, Pathanamthitta, Kozhikode, and Idukki, with many stations recording over 60 mm of rain, indicating widespread monsoon activity across the state," IANS quoted the IMD in a tweet.

The IMD has issued a yellow alert for 11 districts on Saturday. According to the weather agency, heavy rains are expected in Pathanamthitta, Kottayam, Idukki, Ernakulam, Thrissur, Palakkad, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur and Kasaragod where 7 cm to 12 cm of showers are expected, Manorama reported.

Meanwhile, it is a holiday for educational institutions in the Thrissur district owing to heavy rains. District Collector Shikha Surendran IAS passed the order taking the prevailing weather conditions and students' safety into considerations.

As a result, the government-run, aided, and unaided schools, private, Kendriya Vidyalayas, anganwadis, madrasas, tuition centres and professional colleges will remain closed on Saturday. The order does not include the scheduled exams and interviews.

The weather agency has noted that the heavy rains are expected to affect normal lives. Waterlogging and traffic congestion are likely in the rain-hit places due to flooding.

The weather agency has warned that the ongoing spell of heavy rain and strong winds could cause widespread disruption across the state. Trees may be uprooted, leading to power outages, while houses and huts could suffer partial damage. Authorities have also flagged a heightened risk of landslides and landslips in vulnerable areas. Along the coast, temporary and unsecured structures are at risk of being damaged, and the severe weather could endanger both people and livestock.

High-wave warning

Adding to the concerns, the Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS) has issued a high-wave alert for Kerala's northern coast. Waves ranging between 2.9 metres and 3.5 metres, along with the possibility of sea incursion, are expected until 11.30 pm on Sunday, July 5.