Kerala Rain Alert: Ernakulam, Wayanad and Kasaragod declare school holiday on Friday

Kochi/Kalpetta: The District Collectors of Ernakulam, Wayanad and Kasaragod have declared a holiday for educational institutions on Friday (July 31) following the India Meteorological Department's (IMD) orange alert warning of heavy to very heavy rainfall across parts of Kerala.

According to the IMD, Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Idukki, Ernakulam, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur and Kasaragod are under an orange alert on Friday, with isolated areas likely to receive very heavy rainfall (115.6 mm to 204.4 mm in 24 hours). Thunderstorms accompanied by lightning are also expected.

In Ernakulam, the District Collector has announced a holiday for all educational institutions, including professional colleges, anganwadis and tuition centres, in view of the forecast of heavy rain and strong winds.

In Wayanad, the holiday applies to anganwadis, schools, colleges, professional colleges, tuition centres, special classes and religious study classes. However, the District Collector clarified that residential schools and residential colleges will function as usual, and the holiday order does not apply to these institutions.

The Kasaragod District Collector has also announced a holiday for all educational institutions, including schools, colleges, professional colleges, anganwadis, tuition centres, ICSE and CBSE schools, Kendriya Vidyalayas and madrasas.

With active monsoon conditions expected to continue, authorities have urged the public to remain cautious and stay updated through official weather advisories. Parents and students have also been advised to rely only on official announcements issued by district administrations regarding holidays and other weather-related decisions.