Heavy Rain and Waterlogging: Holiday Declared for Educational Institutions in Several Kerala Taluks

Thiruvananthapuram: In view of continuing heavy rain and waterlogging, a holiday has been declared for educational institutions in several taluks across Kerala and for schools functioning as relief camps on Thursday, August 6.

The holiday will apply to all educational institutions, from anganwadis to professional colleges. However, examinations scheduled in advance will be held as planned.

In Kottayam district, all educational institutions, including professional colleges, in Kottayam taluk will remain closed. The District Collector said educational institutions functioning as relief camps in other taluks of the district would also remain closed.

A holiday has also been declared for educational institutions in Thiruvalla taluk in Pathanamthitta district. Several families in the Upper Kuttanad region, where waterlogging continues, remain in relief camps.

In Alappuzha district, educational institutions in Kuttanad, Chengannur and Karthikappally taluks, along with institutions functioning as relief camps, will remain closed. The Collector has authorised the Deputy Director of Education to assess the situation in Mavelikkara, Cherthala and Ambalappuzha taluks and decide whether a holiday should be declared.

In Wayanad, the holiday will apply only to educational institutions functioning as relief camps. Relief camps are currently operating at Puliyal Government High School, Makkiyad Holy Face School and Kaithakolli Government LP School.

In Kozhikode district, all educational institutions functioning as relief camps will remain closed until the camps are wound up.

The India Meteorological Department has warned that an orange alert for heavy rain is likely to remain in force across the state until Friday. Alappuzha and Kottayam districts experienced heavy rain and winds of up to 40 kmph on Wednesday morning. Waterlogging continued in several parts of Kottayam town, Thiruvalla and Upper Kuttanad.

As water levels have not receded in the Upper Kuttanad region, residents of several flooded houses continue to stay on the upper floors. Around 6,000 people are staying in 85 relief camps in Thiruvalla. Waterlogging continues along the Thiruvalla–Mavelikkara and Alappuzha–Changanassery roads, as well as on certain stretches of the MC Road.

A State Water Transport Department boat carrying around 100 flood-affected people from Pulinkunnu to Nedumudy lost control and struck a bridge pillar. The accident occurred after waste accumulated beneath the bridge became entangled in the boat’s propeller.

No casualties were reported due to the timely intervention of the crew. Other Water Transport Department boats were deployed, and the passengers were safely taken to Nedumudy.

The Central Water Commission has issued an orange alert for the Achankovil and Manimala rivers in Pathanamthitta district following a rise in water levels. Yellow alerts have been issued for the Meenachil River in Kottayam and the Karuvannur River in Thrissur.

Authorities have warned people not to enter or cross the rivers and urged residents living along riverbanks to remain vigilant.

Water levels have begun to recede in Aranmula and Ranni. Cleaning operations have started in areas that remained flooded for four days, while people staying in relief camps are preparing to return home.

Meanwhile, the Wayanad district administration has advised people to avoid non-essential travel to the district.