Kerala Battles Heavy Rainfall: Schools Closed, Relief Camps Opened Amid Severe Weather Alerts

Due to intense rainfall and adverse weather conditions, all educational institutions—including schools and colleges—in several districts of Kerala remained closed on May 26. This decision was prompted by the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issuing rainfall alerts for fifteen districts, including Ernakulam, Thrissur, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur, Kasaragod, Pathanamthitta, Kottayam, and Idukki. Despite the closures, scheduled examinations are set to continue as planned. The IMD placed eleven districts, such as Pathanamthitta, Kottayam, Ernakulam, Idukki, and Thrissur, under a red alert, indicating severe rainfall, while Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, and Alappuzha received orange alerts. The neighboring region of Lakshadweep was given a yellow alert. According to the IMD, moderate rainfall is expected to persist over Kerala and surrounding areas in the coming hours.

The heavy downpours have caused widespread disruptions across northern Kerala, forcing authorities to open relief camps and relocate vulnerable populations to safer areas. Several tribal families from the Puzhamkuni hamlet in Wayanad’s Sultan Bathery were moved to relief shelters, and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has been deployed in the district. Tree uprooting has been reported throughout the state, with swollen rivers such as Poonoorpuzha reaching critical levels, prompting local authorities in Kozhikode to issue safety advisories. The Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA) warned of strong winds reaching up to 60 km/h, heavy rainfall, and potential waterlogging on major roads that could cause traffic congestion. Additionally, landslides and landslips remain a serious risk in several hilly districts as the monsoon continues to batter the region, causing normal life to be severely disrupted.