Kerala continued to receive heavy rainfall on Friday as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued an orange alert in eight districts.

In view of the persistent rain, district collectors of Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Ernakulam, Wayanad, Kannur and Kasaragod declared a holiday for all educational institutions on Friday.

The holiday applies to all educational institutions, including anganwadis, professional colleges, tuition centres, coaching institutes, special classes and religious study centres in these districts.

However, residential educational institutions in Wayanad and Kannur have been exempted from the holiday. The Wayanad district collector has directed the heads of these institutions to ensure the safety and well-being of students staying on campus.

Authorities in Kottayam, Kannur and Kasaragod clarified that all scheduled examinations will be held as planned despite the holiday.

The IMD has issued an orange alert for Pathanamthitta, Kottayam, Idukki, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur and Kasaragod, forecasting heavy rainfall of 12 cm to 20 cm within 24 hours.

A yellow alert has been issued for Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Alappuzha, Ernakulam, Thrissur and Palakkad, indicating the possibility of isolated heavy rainfall.

Meanwhile, the IMD has also warned of squally weather along and off the Kerala coast, with wind speeds of 40-50 kmph, gusting up to 60 kmph. Fishermen have been advised not to venture into the sea until conditions improve.