Kerala rains: Yellow alert issued across all districts; schools shut in several areas

Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a yellow alert for all 14 districts in Kerala on Monday as heavy rainfall is expected to intensify across the state.

Earlier, a yellow alert had been issued for 10 districts, but the warning was later extended to the entire state due to worsening weather conditions.

According to weather reports, the intensity of rainfall is expected to decrease over the next two days, and no special rain alert has been issued for Tuesday and Wednesday. However, a yellow alert has been announced for Thursday in Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur, and Kasaragod districts.

With heavy rain continuing, district administrations have declared a holiday for educational institutions in several parts of the state.

Holidays have been announced in Kasaragod, Kannur, Wayanad, Kozhikode, Pathanamthitta, Kottayam, Idukki, Thrissur, Malappuram, and Palakkad districts. In Alappuzha, holidays apply to Chengannur and Kuttanad taluks, while in Ernakulam, educational institutions in Kothamangalam and Muvattupuzha taluks will remain closed.

District collectors said the holiday applies to schools, professional colleges, anganwadis, and religious educational institutions.

The IMD has also warned of strong winds with speeds of 40–50 kmph at isolated places across Kerala today and tomorrow. Residents have been advised to remain vigilant. The authorities have also issued a lightning advisory, urging people to take necessary precautions as thunderstorms are likely to accompany the rain.

Meanwhile, Kerala Chief Minister V D Satheesan said that eight people have died, an equal number were missing and 13 injured in heavy rains which caused landslides, waterlogging and property damage in many parts of the state.

In a statement issued by his office, Satheesan also said that 27 houses were completely destroyed, 196 homes were partially damaged, and 5,792 people have been shifted to the 209 relief camps set up across the state.

The government will ensure assistance to the families of the deceased and those who have lost their homes and livelihoods, he further said.