Thiruvananthapuram, 04 July (H.S.): Heavy rainfall continued to batter several parts of Kerala on Saturday, prompting the India Meteorological Department (IMD) to issue a yellow alert for 11 districts and warn of possible flooding, traffic disruptions, landslides and damage to infrastructure. As the rain intensified, the Thrissur district administration declared a holiday for all educational institutions as a precautionary measure.

The IMD has issued a yellow alert for Pathanamthitta, Kottayam, Idukki, Ernakulam, Thrissur, Palakkad, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur and Kasaragod. A yellow alert indicates the likelihood of heavy rainfall ranging between 7 cm and 12 cm within a 24-hour period.

In view of the adverse weather conditions, Thrissur District Collector Shikha Surendran ordered the closure of all educational institutions across the district. The holiday applies to government, aided and unaided schools, CBSE and ICSE schools, Kendriya Vidyalayas, anganwadis, madrasas, tuition centres and professional colleges.

The Collector said the decision was taken based on weather reports and field assessments from various taluks, with student safety being the primary concern. However, scheduled public examinations and interviews will be conducted as planned and are exempt from the holiday order.

The IMD has warned that the continuing heavy rainfall could lead to widespread disruptions across the state. Waterlogging on major roads and poor visibility are expected to affect vehicular movement, while low-lying areas and riverbanks may face flooding if the rain persists.

The weather agency also cautioned that strong winds accompanying the rain could uproot trees, leading to power outages and partial damage to houses, huts and other vulnerable structures. It further warned of an increased risk of landslides and landslips in hilly regions, particularly in districts already prone to such incidents. People living in vulnerable areas have been advised to remain alert and follow instructions issued by local authorities.

Meanwhile, the Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS) has issued a high-wave warning for Kerala's northern coastline. Waves ranging from 2.9 metres to 3.5 metres, along with the possibility of sea incursion, are expected until 11.30 pm on Sunday.

The warning covers coastal stretches from Chombala Fishing Harbour to Ramanattukara in Kozhikode district, Valapattanam to New Mahe in Kannur district, and Kunjathur to Kottakunnu in Kasaragod district.

Authorities have urged fishermen to avoid venturing into the affected coastal waters and advised residents living along the shoreline to exercise extreme caution until sea conditions improve.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman