Kerala rain update: Orange alert for Kannur; swell surge warning issued for coastal areas
Thiruvananthapuram: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued orange and yellow alerts for various districts across Kerala as heavy monsoon rains continue to lash the state. Concurrently, a high wave and coastal flooding warning has been triggered for the coastline.
Very heavy rain warning (Orange alert)
An orange alert has been declared for Kannur today (Friday, June 12), with the IMD predicting isolated very heavy rainfall. The district is expected to receive downpours ranging from 115.6 mm to 204.4 mm within a 24-hour period.
Heavy rain warning (Yellow alert)
Yellow alerts have been sounded across multiple districts, indicating isolated heavy rainfall between 64.5 mm and 115.5 mm, accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning.
12/06/2026 (Friday): Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Ernakulam, Idukki, Thrissur, Malappuram, Kozhikode and Kasaragod.
13/06/2026 (Saturday): Kozhikode, Kannur and Kasaragod.
14/06/2026 (Sunday): Pathanamthitta, Kottayam, Ernakulam, Idukki and Thrissur.
Coastal swell surge (Kallakkadal) warning
The National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS) has warned of severe sea surges driven by high waves.
- Kerala coast: Coastal areas of Thiruvananthapuram (Kappil to Pozhiyoor), Kollam (Alappad to Edava), Alappuzha (Chellanam to Azheekal Jetty) and Ernakulam (Munambam FH to Maruvakkad) are likely to experience waves rising between 0.9 and 1.4 metres. This high-alert window remains active until 5.30 am on Saturday, June 13, 2026.
- Kanyakumari coast: High waves between 1.3 and 1.4 metres are expected to cause coastal flooding until 11:30 pm tonight (12 June 2026).
Safety advisory for public and fishermen
- Vessel restrictions: Fishermen must refrain from launching small country craft, canoes or boats. Moving fishing vessels in or out of the water is equally hazardous while waves remain violent. All boats must be securely moored inside harbours with safe distance gaps to avoid collisions.
- Beach tourism ban: All beach-focused tourist operations, coastal travel and recreational activities must be completely suspended until warnings are officially withdrawn.
- Relocation alerts: Residents in landslide-prone hilly terrains and high-risk coastal zones facing severe wave erosion must proactively relocate to safer areas or designated government relief camps.
Emergency helplines: 24/7 taluk and district control rooms are fully operational. For immediate assistance, the public can contact the toll-free numbers 1077 or 1070.