Kerala Braces for More Rain as Red Alerts Issued for Three Districts

Thiruvananthapuram: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecasted persistent heavy rainfall across Kerala, prompting red alerts for Idukki, Kannur, and Kasaragod districts on Friday, May 30, 2025. The agency also issued orange alerts for 11 other districts, signaling very heavy rainfall, while Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, and Alappuzha are under yellow alerts for isolated heavy showers.

The IMD attributes the intense weather to a low-pressure system over the northwest Bay of Bengal near the Odisha coast, which has strengthened into a depression. This system is expected to drive widespread rainfall across the state for the next five days, with some areas potentially receiving 115.6 to 204.4 mm of rain in 24 hours. The department also warned of thunderstorms and winds up to 50 kmph in Idukki and Ernakulam within hours, based on recent radar imagery.

In response to the severe weather, district authorities have declared holidays for educational institutions in Idukki, Kannur, Kasaragod, Ernakulam, Kottayam, Thrissur, Palakkad, Pathanamthitta, and Wayanad on Friday. The closures aim to ensure the safety of students and staff amid risks of flooding and landslides. The Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA) reported that rivers, including Meenachil in Kottayam, Achankovil and Manimala in Pathanamthitta, Korapuzha in Kozhikode, and Kabani in Wayanad, are swelling rapidly, urging residents near riverbanks to stay vigilant.

The ongoing deluge has already caused significant damage, with reports of uprooted trees, downed power lines, and flooded low-lying areas. Hundreds of residents have been relocated to relief camps, particularly in Wayanad, as the state grapples with the monsoon’s impact. Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely, advising the public to follow safety guidelines and avoid unnecessary travel.