The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Thursday predicted heavy rainfall across Kerala till July 22, issuing a red alert for four northern districts- Kasaragod, Kannur, Wayanad, and Alappuzha- for today. A red alert signifies the likelihood of extremely heavy rainfall, exceeding 20 cm within 24 hours.

An orange alert has been issued for Malappuram, Palakkad and Thrissur, with rainfall expected to range between 15 cm and 20 cm. A yellow alert is in effect for five districts- Ernakulam, Idukki, Kottayam, Pathanamthitta and Alappuzha, predicting rainfall between 7 cm and 15 cm. No alerts are in place for Thiruvananthapuram and Kollam districts. 

In light of this, district collectors in Kasaragod, Kannur, Kozhikode, Wayanad and Thrissur have announced a holiday for educational institutions on Thursday.

All educational institutions in Kasaragod, Wayanad, and Thrissur will remain closed, while in Kannur and Kozhikode, the holiday will apply only to schools, tuition centres, anganwadis, and madrasas. However, previously scheduled examinations in these districts will be held as planned.

IMD Alerts

July 18
Red- Kasaragod, Kannur, Wayanad
Orange- Kozhikode, Malappuram, Idukki
Yellow, Palakkad, Thrissur, Ernakulam, Kottayam, Pathanamthitta

July 19
Red- Kasaragod, Kannur, Kozhikode, Wayanad
Orange- Idukki, Ernakulam, Thrissur, Palakkad, Malappuram
Yellow- Kottayam, Alappuzha, Pathanamthitta

July 20
Red- Kasaragod, Kannur, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Malappuram
Orange- Palakkad, Thrissur, Ernakulam, Idukki
Yellow- Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Kottayam, Alappuzha, Pathanamthitta

The IMD has also warned of strong winds reaching speeds of 40–50 kmph, likely to occur intermittently across Kerala until July 20. Fishermen have been cautioned against venturing into the sea along the Kerala coastlines till July 19. Residents, especially those in districts under an orange alert, are urged to remain vigilant.

Wayanad experienced intense downpours late on Wednesday, prompting district collector D R Meghasree, who also heads the District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA), to order the temporary closure of all adventure tourism centres within Ecologically Sensitive Zones (ESZ).

Additionally, the district administration has suspended all quarrying operations, including granite extraction and earthmoving activities using JCBs.

Access to the landslide-prone Mundakkai–Chooralmala area will be restricted from Thursday onwards, following consistent heavy rain since Wednesday evening. This region, which had suffered a major landslide in the past, claiming over 300 lives, remains at high risk.

At Punchirimattam, the site of last year’s massive landslide, the soil remains unstable. Authorities have warned that a possible collapse into the Punnapuzha River could trigger further landslides downstream. Entry into both ‘Go’ and ‘No Go’ zones, including surrounding plantations and agricultural areas, has been restricted.

Vehicular movement on the Kuttiyadi and Thamarassery ghat roads leading to Wayanad has also been limited due to the potential danger of landslides and falling trees. Only emergency vehicles will be permitted, while heavy vehicles remain banned until further notice.

Police have been directed to enhance night patrolling, and departments like Fire and Rescue Services and the Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) have been instructed to stay on high alert round the clock to handle any emergencies.