Thiruvananthapuram, 08 July (H.S.)Heavy rainfall is expected to continue across Kerala on Wednesday, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issuing a yellow alert for 11 districts and warning of widespread disruptions due to persistent rain, strong winds and the risk of landslides. In response to the forecast, district administrations in Kozhikode and Wayanad have declared a holiday for educational institutions.
The yellow alert has been issued for Kasaragod, Kannur, Kozhikode, Malappuram, Wayanad, Thrissur, Palakkad, Ernakulam, Idukki, Kottayam and Alappuzha, where isolated heavy rainfall of 7 cm to 12 cm is likely over the next 24 hours.
In Kozhikode, the holiday applies to all schools, colleges, professional colleges, tuition centres, madrasas and anganwadis. However, residential schools and colleges will function as usual. Wayanad has announced a similar holiday for schools, colleges and anganwadis, while residential educational institutions have been exempted. Examinations scheduled by universities and the Kerala Public Service Commission (PSC) will be conducted as planned.
The IMD has warned that continuous rainfall could severely affect normal life in several parts of the state. Waterlogging on roads, reduced visibility, traffic disruptions and flooding in low-lying areas and along riverbanks are likely. Authorities have urged residents to remain vigilant and avoid unnecessary travel, particularly in vulnerable locations.
Strong surface winds accompanying the rain are also expected to cause damage. The weather agency cautioned that winds could uproot trees, damage electricity lines and disrupt power supply. Partial damage to houses and temporary structures is also possible. Hilly regions remain vulnerable to landslides and landslips, prompting authorities to advise people living in high-risk areas to closely follow official safety instructions.
The IMD has further warned of squally weather along and off the Kerala coast until Thursday, with wind speeds of 40 to 50 kmph, gusting up to 60 kmph. Fishermen have been advised not to venture into the sea until weather conditions improve.
Rainfall remained intense across northern Kerala over the past 24 hours. Vythiri in Wayanad recorded the highest rainfall in the state at 12 cm, followed by Urumi in Kozhikode with 11 cm. Nilambur in Malappuram, Ayyankunnu and Chemberi in Kannur recorded 8 cm each, while Vadakara in Kozhikode and Madikkai in Kasaragod received 7 cm.
The continuing heavy rain also turned tragic on Tuesday when a landslip struck the Kalladi twin-tunnel project site in Wayanad, killing three workers and injuring nine others. Rescue operations continued through the day, while Chief Minister V D Satheesan is expected to visit the accident site on Wednesday. The incident has heightened concerns over the impact of the ongoing monsoon, particularly in Kerala's landslide-prone hill districts.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman
