IMD issues orange alert for nine Kerala districts amid heavy rain warning
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Thiruvananthapuram: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert for nine districts in Kerala on Sunday, warning of very heavy rainfall as monsoon conditions are set to intensify across the state.
The districts under the orange alert are Ernakulam, Idukki, Thrissur, Palakkad, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur, and Kasaragod. Additionally, a yellow alert has been issued for Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, and Kottayam.
In response, the Kasaragod district administration has declared a holiday for all educational institutions on Sunday, including schools, colleges, professional colleges, Kendriya Vidyalayas, tuition centers, religious study centers, and special classes. However, pre-scheduled examinations will be conducted as planned.
According to the IMD, a low-pressure area is likely to form over the Bay of Bengal by July 24, which is expected to further strengthen monsoon activity across the country. In Kerala, extremely heavy rainfall is forecast in isolated areas over the next five days, particularly till July 21.
Alongside the rain, strong winds with speeds of 40–50 kmph are expected in some parts of the state till July 22.
As per IMD classifications, an orange alert indicates the likelihood of very heavy rainfall between 115.6 mm and 204.4 mm in 24 hours, while a yellow alert warns of heavy rain ranging from 64.5 mm to 115.5 mm during the same period.
Authorities have urged residents in the alerted districts to remain cautious, avoid flood-prone areas and water bodies, and closely monitor weather advisories. Fishermen have been advised not to venture into the sea due to rough conditions.
Disaster response teams and local administrations have been placed on high alert to manage any emergencies that may arise as the monsoon continues to strengthen across the state.
