Kerala rain alert: IMD sounds red alert in 5 districts as flash flood risks rise
Thiruvananthapuram: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an urgent weather warning for Kerala, forecasting extremely heavy rainfall across the state over the next five days. Authorities and citizens are urged to remain on high alert as the intense downpours present significant risks of flash floods and landslides.
Red alert: Extremely heavy rain
A red alert has been sounded for Saturday, June 6,2026, covering five northern districts. The Met Office anticipates extremely heavy rainfall exceeding 204.4 mm within a 24-hour window.
Districts affected: Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur and Kasaragod.
Orange alert: Very heavy rain
An orange alert has been declared for several regions where isolated, very heavy rain between 115.6 mm and 204.4 mm is expected.
The schedule for the coming days is as follows:
| Date | Districts under orange alert |
| Saturday, June 6 | Pathanamthitta, Kottayam, Idukki, Ernakulam, Thrissur and Palakkad |
| Sunday, June 7 | Thrissur, Palakkad, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur and Kasaragod |
| Monday, June 8 | Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur and Kasaragod |
| Tuesday, June 9 | Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur and Kasaragod |
Yellow alert: Heavy rain with thunderstorms
A yellow alert indicates isolated heavy rain ranging from 64.5 mm to 115.5 mm, frequently accompanied by severe lightning and thunderstorms.
| Date | Districts under yellow alert |
| Saturday, June 6 | Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam and Alappuzha |
| Sunday, June 7 | Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Idukki and Ernakulam |
| Monday, June 8 | Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Idukki, Ernakulam, Thrissur and Palakkad |
| Tuesday, June 9 | Idukki, Ernakulam, Thrissur, Palakkad and Malappuram |
| Wednesday, June 10 | Kannur and Kasaragod |
Severe weather hazards and safety warning
The IMD has emphasised that the primary danger stems from short, intense spells of torrential rain, which can rapidly trigger dangerous environmental hazards:
- Flash floods and torrent: Torrential downpours over a brief period are highly likely to cause sudden torrents rushing down hillsides and flash flooding in low-lying zones.
- Urban waterlogging: Major towns and urban centres face a severe risk of extensive waterlogging and drainage failure.
- Landslides: Sustained, heavy rainfall over consecutive days remarkably heightens the threat of soil erosion, mudslides and major landslides in hilly areas.
Precautionary advice: Both the general public and government disaster response mechanisms are advised to maintain the utmost vigilance, monitor local announcements and take all necessary safety precautions during this severe weather window.