Kerala Weather Emergency: Red Alert Issued, Schools and Colleges to Remain Shut Due to Heavy Rainfall

Kerala weather today has been placed under a red alert in three districts, Idukki, Palakkad, and Malappuram, as the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasts extremely heavy rainfall. Authorities have announced the closure of all schools, colleges, and educational institutions in these districts on October 22nd for the safety of students and residents.

School and College Closures Across Kerala

All educational institutions, including professional colleges, will remain closed in Idukki, Palakkad, Malappuram, and additionally in Pathanamthitta as a precautionary measure. Residential schools and Navodaya schools in Palakkad will continue operations. District administrations have advised schools to shift to online classes where possible and reschedule exams or interviews only if feasible.

Kerala Weather Update

The heavy rainfall in Kerala is mainly because of two active low-pressure systems in the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal, causing persistent downpours, flooding, and landslide risks in the regions. IMD predicts that isolated locations may receive over 204.4 mm of rainfall within 24 hours.

Alongside the red alert in Idukki, Palakkad, and Malappuram, the IMD has issued an orange warning for Ernakulam, Thrissur, Wayanad, Kozhikode, Kottayam, Alappuzha, and Pathanamthitta today, while Kasaragod and Kannur are likely to experience very heavy rainfall tomorrow. A yellow alert in Kerala has been issued due to the possibility of heavy rain in Lakshadweep, Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Kasaragod, and Kannur today; in Malappuram, Pathanamthitta, Wayanad, Kottayam, Kozhikode, Thiruvananthapuram, and Kollam tomorrow; and for Kozhikode, Wayanad, Malappuram, Kasaragod, and Kannur on Friday.

Advisory & Safety Measures for Residents and Tourists

The IMD and local authorities have urged residents and tourists to avoid travel to hilly areas, riverbanks, waterfalls, and other flood-prone zones, especially in red and orange alert regions.

All outdoor adventure activities such as boating, trekking, and rafting have been suspended until further notice. Mining and soil excavation activities have also been halted to prevent accidents.

Authorities in Kerala are monitoring the situation closely and have prepared relief camps for residents in flood-prone, hilly, and coastal areas. Public Works and disaster management teams are put on high alert, and coastal communities have been warned about rough sea conditions.