Heavy rain: Holiday for educational institutions in 3 districts today

Vehicles passing through an inundated MG Road in Kasaragod following incessant rain. PHOTO: Manorama

Thiruvananthapuram: In view of heavy rain persisting in the state for the past few days and with no signs of abating, several districts in Kerala have declared a holiday for educational institutions on Friday.

While Kasaragod and Kannur have declared a state-wide holiday, this is restricted to just Devikulam Taluk in Idukki.

However, this does not affect examinations and interviews scheduled here for the day. They shall take place as usual.

Kerala has been witnessing a spell of heavy rain these past few days. Officials have advised people to remain vigilant.

Yellow alert

The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) on Thursday issued a yellow alert to most of the districts in Kerala for the next three days, prompting the state government to deploy National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams in Idukki, Wayanad and Kozhikode districts.

A total of six people have died across the state due to rain-related incidents since July 3 - four in Idukki, one each in Malappuram and Kozhikode districts.

A total of 11 houses were completely damaged while 20 houses were partially damaged in the state from July 3 to 7.

Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan cautioned people living in hilly areas in view of the IMD declaring a Yellow alert.

"There are reports that the water level in Kadalundi, Bharathapuzha, Shiriya, Karavannur, and Gayathri rivers of northern Kerala is rising. Similarly, the water level in Vamanapuram, Neyyar, Karamana, Kallada, Manimala and Meenachil rivers is also rising," Vijayan said. He also said a Red alert has been issued around the regions of lower Periyar, and Kallarkutti dams under the State Electricity Board.

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