Heavy Rain to Continue in Kerala; Red Alert in Five Districts, Schools Closed in North

Thiruvananthapuram: Heavy to extremely heavy rainfall is likely to continue across Kerala on Saturday, under the influence of an intense low-pressure area over Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh and a cyclonic circulation over Andhra Pradesh. The India Meteorological Department has issued red alerts in five districts, orange alerts in four, and yellow alerts in five others. Strong winds reaching speeds of up to 50 kmph are also expected in parts of the state.
Red alerts have been issued for Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur, and Kasaragod, with forecasts indicating more than 204.4 mm of rain within 24 hours. Ernakulam, Idukki, Thrissur, and Palakkad are under orange alert, while yellow alerts are in place for Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, and Kottayam.
With rainfall continuing across the state, authorities have urged caution in hilly and low-lying areas due to the risk of landslides and waterlogging. The coastal regions of Kerala, Karnataka, and Lakshadweep remain under a fishing ban, as high waves and sea incursion are likely.
District administrations in Kasaragod, Kannur, and Wayanad have declared a holiday for all educational institutions. Educational institutions in Vadakara taluk, including tuition centres and madrasas, will also remain closed on Saturday.