Wayanad Collector has declared a holiday for all educational institutions in the district on Wednesday (August 5) as heavy rain continues and a red alert remains in force.

The holiday applies to all schools, colleges, professional colleges, anganwadis, madrasa classes, tuition centres, coaching institutes and special classes across the district.

Residential schools and residential colleges are exempt from the holiday order.

However, heads of these institutions have been directed to ensure the safety of students and may suspend classes if required based on the prevailing weather conditions.

The district administration has urged the public to strictly follow all restrictions issued in connection with the red alert. Tourists have been advised to stay at safe accommodation and follow instructions issued by authorities.

Travellers using the Thamarassery Churam and the Boys Town–Palchuram route have been asked to exercise extreme caution. The administration has advised people to avoid non-essential travel and undertake only essential journeys.

More districts may announce holidays

With the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasting widespread heavy to very heavy rainfall across Kerala over the next few days, more district collectors are expected to review local weather conditions before deciding on school and college holidays.

Holiday announcements, if any, for Wednesday (August 5) and the following days will be made by the respective district administrations after assessing the weather situation.

Students and parents are advised to wait for official orders issued by district collectors and follow updates from their schools and colleges.

Rain alerts across Kerala

The IMD had issued a red alert for Pathanamthitta, Kottayam, Idukki, Ernakulam, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur and Kasaragod on Tuesday (August 4).

For Wednesday (August 5), an orange alert is in place for Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Idukki, Ernakulam, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur and Kasaragod, while Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Thrissur, Palakkad and Malappuram remain under a yellow alert.

The continuing rain forecast has increased the likelihood of holiday announcements in other districts as well, depending on local weather conditions and decisions taken by the respective district collectors.