Kerala rain: Tourist destinations shut, travel curbs imposed; officials on high alert

Thiruvananthapuram: Authorities have imposed travel restrictions and closed several popular tourist destinations across Kerala as incessant rainfall continues to batter the state, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) warning of extremely heavy rain in several districts on Saturday.

Among the major restrictions, Ponmudi in Thiruvananthapuram has been closed to visitors, while Palaruvi and Kumbhavurutty waterfalls in Kollam have also been shut as a precaution. Entry to Athirappilly in Thrissur has been suspended for Saturday, and tourists have been barred from visiting Nelliyampathy in Palakkad on both Saturday and Sunday due to adverse weather conditions.

The restrictions come amid persistent heavy rainfall that has already led to fatalities, flooding, landslides and widespread damage in different parts of the state. Authorities have urged people to avoid non-essential travel, particularly to hilly regions and areas vulnerable to flooding and landslides.

The IMD has placed Pathanamthitta, Kottayam, Idukki, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur and Kasaragod under a red alert for Saturday, warning of extremely heavy rainfall exceeding 204.4 mm within 24 hours.

An orange alert, indicating the likelihood of very heavy rainfall between 115.6 mm and 204.4 mm, has been issued for Ernakulam, Thrissur and Palakkad.

Meanwhile, Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam and Alappuzha remain under a yellow alert, with forecasts of isolated heavy rain.

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For Sunday, the weather department has issued a yellow alert for Pathanamthitta, Kottayam, Idukki, Ernakulam, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur and Kasaragod, warning that heavy rainfall is likely to continue.

The IMD has cautioned that intense spells of rain over short durations could trigger flash floods, rapid surface runoff and severe waterlogging, especially in urban and low-lying areas. It has also warned of an increased risk of landslides and mudslides in vulnerable hilly regions as saturated soil conditions persist.

Authorities have advised residents and travellers to closely monitor official weather updates, avoid unnecessary journeys, and follow instructions issued by local administrations as Kerala braces for more wet weather over the coming days.