Thiruvananthapuram: Torrential rains continue to batter several parts of Kerala, causing floods, landslides, and significant disruption to daily life. Multiple districts are witnessing rapidly rising water levels, leading to evacuations in low-lying areas, and widespread impact on transport, power supply and public services.

Emergency services are on high alert, and authorities have intensified monitoring of vulnerable zones.

Saturday holiday declared in three districts

In light of the worsening weather, authorities have declared a holiday for all educational institutions on Saturday, July 27 in the districts of Kottayam, Ernakulam, and Pathanamthitta.

The holiday applies to schools, professional colleges, anganwadis, vacation-time arts and sports training centres, and religious study centres. However, pre-scheduled examinations will take place as planned, according to a statement from the Kottayam District Collector.

The precautionary decision aims to ensure the safety of students and staff, with weather conditions expected to worsen further on Saturday.

Rain alerts in place

The IMD has issued orange and yellow alerts across multiple districts due to the likelihood of very heavy rainfall. A trough extending from the Maharashtra coast to the Kerala coast and a well-marked low-pressure area over the northwest Bay of Bengal near the West Bengal coast are contributing to the ongoing weather disturbance.

Flood alert issued for Kerala rivers

The IMD has also warned of strong winds in addition to the rain. Emergency services and disaster response teams remain on standby, and residents in low-lying and landslide-prone areas are being urged to exercise caution.

The Irrigation Department (IDRB) and Central Water Commission (CWC) have issued orange and yellow alerts for rising water levels in several rivers across Kerala.

Orange Alert
– Pathanamthitta:

* Manimala (Thondru Station)

* Achankovil (Konni GD, Kalleli, and Thumpamon - CWC)

Yellow Alert

-Thiruvananthapuram

*Vamanapuram (Mailammoodu)

-Kollam

*Pallikkal (Anayadi)

-Alappuzha

*Achankovil (Nalukettukavala)

-Pathanamthitta

*Pamba (Aranmula, Madamon - CWC)

*Manimala (Kallooppara - CWC)

-Kasaragod

*Mogral (Madhur)

*Uppala (Uppala)

Public advised to remain cautious

Emergency services remain on alert, and local authorities are monitoring water levels closely in flood-prone and landslide-risk zones. People living in low-lying areas and near riverbanks are advised to stay alert and be ready to relocate if directed by authorities. They are also advised to avoid entering or crossing rivers.

The public is urged to follow official updates and weather bulletins regularly.