Red alert in Wayanad: Chembra trek, Soochippara Falls and resorts in Meppadi shut for two days

Kalpetta: With the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issuing a red alert for Wayanad and warning of extremely heavy rainfall exceeding 20 cm in isolated places over the next 24 hours, authorities have stepped up precautionary measures across the district. All trekking and adventure tourism activities at Forest Department-run eco-tourism destinations have been suspended for two days, educational institutions have been ordered shut on Saturday, and the Meppadi Grama Panchayat has directed the closure of tourist facilities within its jurisdiction.

According to a communiqué issued by the Forest Department, eco-tourism destinations affected by the suspension include Kuruva Island, Meenmutty Waterfalls, the Kattukunnu-Anachola trekking route, the Chembra Peak trekking route and Soochippara Waterfalls.

Wayanad District Collector Meghashree D R has also declared a holiday for all educational institutions, including professional colleges, on Saturday. The holiday will apply to schools, anganwadis, tuition centres, special schools and religious study centres. Residential schools have been exempted from the order.

Meanwhile, the Meppadi Grama Panchayat has ordered the closure of all tourist facilities and destinations within its limits on Saturday and Sunday. The order applies to homestays, resorts, serviced villas and tourist destinations operating in the panchayat area.

The decision was taken as a precautionary measure amid concerns over landslides in the region, which was devastated by one of Kerala's worst landslide disasters on July 30, 2024. More than 300 people were killed or remain missing after large sections of Chooralmala and Mundakkai in Meppadi were wiped out in the tragedy.

The panchayat has directed tourists currently staying at these facilities to vacate immediately. According to panchayat authorities, special squads have been deployed to ensure strict implementation of the order.

The IMD has issued a red alert for Wayanad on June 6 and 7, warning of extremely heavy rainfall. Authorities have urged residents and visitors to remain vigilant as the possibility of landslides, flash floods, waterlogging and traffic disruptions increases in vulnerable areas.