IMD Issues Red Alert For 11 Kerala Districts Amid Heavy Rain (Image-X/astroanilsays)
Kerala: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for 11 districts in Kerala for Monday, warning of extremely heavy rainfall and hazardous weather conditions across much of the state.
The red alert—signifying the likelihood of very heavy to extremely heavy rain—has been declared for Pathanamthitta, Kottayam, Ernakulam, Idukki, Thrissur, Palakkad, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur, and Kasaragod.
Also Read| Containers From Liberian Cargo Ships Wash Ashore In Kollam Coast
An orange alert, indicating heavy rainfall, is in effect for Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, and Alappuzha.
In response to the forecast, district collectors in several red-alert districts, including Idukki, Kannur, Kasaragod, Thrissur, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Ernakulam, Kottayam, and Pathanamthitta, have announced holidays for all educational institutions. This includes schools, anganwadis, madrasas, coaching and tuition centres.
While most university and Public Service Commission (PSC) examinations will continue as planned, Kannur University has postponed its Monday exam, with a revised date to be announced.
According to IMD, isolated locations in red-alert districts may receive over 12 cm of rainfall within 24 hours. The weather agency has also warned of strong surface winds of 50–60 kmph, increasing the risk of tree falls, flash floods, landslides, and infrastructure damage.
A high-wave alert remains in effect along the Kerala coast, prompting authorities to advise fishermen against venturing into the sea until May 29.
The intense weather is linked to a likely low-pressure area forming over the west-central and adjoining north Bay of Bengal around May 27. Strong westerly winds are also expected to persist over Kerala and Lakshadweep throughout the week.
Also Read | Diesel, Furnace Oil, Calcium Carbide Leak Feared As Cargo Ship MSC ELSA 3 Goes Down Off Kerala Coast
The southwest monsoon, which made its onset over Kerala last week, intensified on Sunday. Nilambur recorded 16 cm of rainfall while Vythiri saw 15 cm, among the highest in the state.
With rain or thundershowers expected across most parts of Kerala through May 31, officials have urged the public to follow safety guidelines.
