Kerala rain alert: Red warning for 3 districts as IMD forecasts extremely heavy rainfall
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for Pathanamthitta, Kottayam and Idukki on Thursday (August 6), warning of extremely heavy rainfall in the districts. Orange and yellow alerts have also been issued for several other parts of Kerala as widespread rain is expected to continue over the next few days.
The weather department has warned that the intense rainfall could trigger flash floods, landslides, mudslides and waterlogging, particularly in hilly regions and low-lying areas. Authorities have urged people to remain alert and avoid unnecessary travel during periods of heavy rain.
According to the IMD, extremely heavy rainfall refers to rainfall exceeding 204.4 mm within 24 hours.
Red alert in three districts today
The IMD has issued a red alert for the following districts on Thursday (August 6): Pathanamthitta, Kottayam and Idukki.
A red alert indicates the possibility of extremely heavy rainfall at isolated places and calls for maximum preparedness.
Orange alert districts
The following districts are under an orange alert, indicating the likelihood of very heavy rainfall (115.6 mm to 204.4 mm in 24 hours).
Thursday (August 6): Kollam, Alappuzha, Ernakulam, Kannur, Kasaragod
Friday (August 7): Pathanamthitta, Kottayam, Idukki, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur, Kasaragod
Yellow alert districts
A yellow alert, indicating the possibility of heavy rainfall (64.5 mm to 115.5 mm in 24 hours), has been issued for:
Thursday (August 6): Thiruvananthapuram, Thrissur, Palakkad, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad
Friday (August 7): Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Alappuzha, Ernakulam, Thrissur, Palakkad
Saturday (August 8): Pathanamthitta, Kottayam, Ernakulam, Idukki, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur, Kasaragod
The Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA) has warned that short spells of intense rain could lead to flash floods, landslides and mudslides, especially in hilly regions.
People living in landslide-prone areas and places that experience frequent flooding have been advised to shift to safer locations if instructed by authorities.
Electricity-related emergencies can be reported to KSEB on 1912, while disaster-related assistance is available through the toll-free helplines 1070 and 1077.
Will schools remain closed?
With a red alert issued for three districts and orange alerts in several others, many parents and students will be watching for school holiday announcements.
The IMD's weather warning does not automatically mean schools or colleges will remain closed. Any decision to declare a holiday will be taken by the respective district collectors or other competent authorities after reviewing local weather conditions.
Students and parents are advised to follow official announcements from district administrations and educational institutions for updates on school and college holidays.
The IMD said district-wise alerts may be revised depending on changes in weather conditions over the coming days.