Heavy Rain to Continue in Keralam; Orange Alert in Seven Districts, Schools Shut in Eight

Thiruvananthapuram: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned that heavy to very heavy rainfall will continue across Keralam today, with orange alerts issued in seven districts and yellow alerts in seven others. Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur and Kasaragod are under orange alert, indicating the possibility of very heavy rainfall at isolated locations. Amid the continuing downpour, authorities have also declared a holiday for educational institutions in eight districts today. Institutions in Kasaragod, Kannur, Wayanad, Kozhikode, Thrissur, Kottayam, Pathanamthitta and Alappuzha will remain closed. The holiday applies to educational institutions ranging from anganwadis to professional colleges. However, examinations that had already been scheduled will be conducted as planned. Authorities have also imposed strict restrictions on fishing activities along the Keralam's coast in view of the adverse weather conditions. The Kerala State Disaster Management Authority has urged people to avoid non-essential travel and stay away from water bodies, particularly as heavy rainfall could increase the risk of flooding and other rain-related incidents.