Kerala rain: Red alert in 5 districts including Wayanad on Saturday

Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala will continue to witness heavy to extremely heavy rainfall in isolated places till July 23, predicted the India Meteorological Department. In view of the adverse weather conditions, the Met department has sounded red, orange and yellow alerts in various districts of the state. Five districts- Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur and Kasaragod have been placed under a red alert, while an orange alert has been sounded for Ernakulam, Idukki, Thrissur and Palakkad districts. A yellow alert has been issued for all five other districts- Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha and Kottayam.

“Heavy rainfall (7cm to 11cm in 24 hours) to very heavy rainfall (12cm to 20cm in 24 hours) with extremely heavy rainfall (> 20cm in 24 hours) is very likely to occur at a few places in Kerala on 19th & 20th July, Heavy rainfall (7cm to 11cm in 24 hours) to very heavy rainfall (12cm to 20cm in 24 hours) is very likely to occur at one or two places in Kerala on 21st & 24th July and Heavy rainfall (7cm to 11cm in 24 hours) is very likely to occur at one or two places in Kerala on 22nd, July 23 and over Lakshadweep on 19th & 20th July 2025,” reads the IMD press release.

Red alert in districts
July 19 – Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur, Kasaragod
July 20 – Kannur, Kasaragod

Orange alert in districts
July 19 -Ernakulam, Idukki, Thrissur, Palakkad
July 20 – Pathanamthitta, Kottayam, Idukki
July 21- Kannur, Kasaragod

Yellow alert in districts
July 19 – Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam
July 20 – Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Alappuzha, Ernakulam, Thrissur, Palakkad, Malappuram
July 21 – Ernakulam, Idukki, Thrissur, Palakkad, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad
July 22  - Ernakulam, Idukki, Thrissur, Palakkad, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur, Kasaragod

In the latest forecast, the weathermen predicted that strong winds with a speed reaching upto 40-50 kmph will lash isolated places of Kerala from Friday to Monday (July 18-21). Fisherfolk are restricted from venturing into the sea off Kerala, Karnataka, and Lakshadweep coasts from July 18 to 22. 

The Kerala Disaster Management Authority urged people to exercise extreme caution to avoid accidents during heavy rain and strong winds.

KSDMA public safety guidelines are as follows:

• Avoid standing under trees or parking vehicles beneath them during wind or rain.
• Trim dangerous branches around your home.
• Report unsafe trees in public areas to local authorities.
• Secure or remove loose items like signboards, electric poles, and flagpoles in calm weather.
• Do not stand near or park near these items during wind/rain.
• Tie down objects like ladders or tools that could fall in the wind.
• Close all windows and doors as soon as strong winds begin.
• Stay away from windows, doors, and terraces.
• If staying in weak or temporary structures, move to safe buildings when alerted.
• Local authorities should assist in relocating vulnerable individuals to relief camps as needed.
• Report fallen electric wires or poles to:KSEB: 1912
• District Disaster Control Room: 1077
• Do not attempt electrical repairs yourself; wait until the wind/rain stops.
• Early morning workers (e.g., newspaper/milk delivery) should watch for waterlogged roads and fallen power lines. They should report and confirm safety before proceeding.
• Check for electrical safety before entering agricultural fields.
• Stop construction work during strong wind/rain and move to a safe area.
• Avoid trips to hilly areas, waterfalls, beaches and water resources during heavy rain.