Kerala rain toll rises to 26; holiday for schools in 10 districts as heavy rain, high waves forecast

Thiruvananthapuram: Although the rains have eased slightly across the state, weather alerts remain in place. Nine districts are under an orange alert on Wednesday, with isolated instances of extremely heavy rainfall forecast. Rainfall of 115.6 mm to 204.4 mm is expected over 24 hours.

As part of the swell surge phenomenon, the National Centre for Ocean Information Services has warned of a possibility of coastal erosion along the shores of Thiruvananthapuram (from Kappil to Pozhiyoor), Kollam (from Alappad to Edava), and Alappuzha (from Chellanam to Azhikode Jetty). High waves measuring 1.1 to 1.4 metres are expected from 5.30 a.m. today until 11.30 p.m. Thursday.

As part of the same phenomenon, coastal erosion is also likely along the Kanyakumari coast due to waves measuring 1.2 to 1.6 metres until 2.30 p.m. on Thursday.

Authorities have advised people living in vulnerable areas to relocate to safer locations as directed. Small boats and fishing vessels should not venture into the sea. All beach-related activities, including tourism, should be completely avoided until the warning is withdrawn.

The death toll from the extremely heavy rain and flooding in the state has risen to 26. Four people are missing. Minister AP Anilkumar said 18,434 people are currently staying in 418 relief camps across various districts.

In view of the adverse weather conditions, collectors have declared holiday today for educational institutions in Kasaragod, Kannur, Wayanad, Kozhikode, Thrissur, Ernakulam, Idukki, Alappuzha, Kottayam and Pathanamthitta districts.

Wayanad

The holiday applies to institutions including religious education classes, tuition centres, coaching classes and special classes. Residential schools and residential colleges may continue to function.

Alappuzha

Several areas have experienced waterlogging following the extremely heavy rain in recent days, while the rain warning remains in place and relief camps are operating in several schools. Therefore, all educational institutions, including professional colleges, as well as anganwadis and tuition centres, will remain closed on Thursday. There will be no change to previously scheduled public examinations.

Kasaragod

As water bodies have overflowed at several places in the district following rains, causing waterlogging, a holiday has been declared today as a precautionary measure for all educational institutions, including professional colleges. The holiday applies to colleges, professional colleges, schools, anganwadis, tuition centres, ICSE and CBSE schools, Kendriya Vidyalayas and all other educational institutions, as well as religious educational institutions including madrasas. Previously scheduled university/public examinations and interviews will be held as planned.

Idukki

In view of the continuing heavy rain and strong winds, all educational institutions in Idukki district, including professional colleges, will remain closed today. The holiday also applies to schools, madrasas, nurseries, Kendriya Vidyalayas, CBSE and ICSE schools. However, the holiday does not apply to courses at residential educational institutions where all students reside on campus.

Pathanamthitta

A holiday has been declared for all educational institutions, including professional colleges, due to the heavy rain and the operation of flood relief camps in schools across the district.

Kottayam

All educational institutions, including professional colleges, will remain closed today. The holiday also applies to anganwadis, tuition centres and special classes. Previously scheduled examinations will be held as planned.

Ernakulam

In view of the strong winds and rain and the orange alert declared in Ernakulam district, all educational institutions, including professional colleges, will remain closed today. The holiday also applies to anganwadis and tuition centres. There will be no change to previously scheduled examinations and interviews.

Thrissur

With waterlogging continuing in low-lying areas and heavy rain persisting in some taluks, a holiday has been declared for all educational institutions in the district, including anganwadis, tuition centres, madrasas, nurseries, Kendriya Vidyalayas, CBSE and ICSE schools and professional colleges, as a precautionary measure to ensure student safety. There will be no change to previously scheduled examinations and interviews.

Kannur

All educational institutions in the district will remain closed today. The holiday does not apply to professional colleges. However, tuition centres, madrasas and other such institutions will remain closed. Previously scheduled university/public examinations and interviews will be held as planned.

Kozhikode

In view of the orange alert declared in the district for Wednesday, a holiday has been declared for all educational institutions except professional colleges. The holiday also applies to anganwadis, madrasas and tuition centres. Previously scheduled examinations and online classes will not be affected.

The District Collector said that all educational institutions currently functioning as relief camps in Kozhikode district will remain closed until the camps are closed, in view of the heavy rain and adverse weather conditions.