Kozhikode: Kerala is bracing for another spell of torrential rain as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has intensified its warning, placing four northern districts under red alert amid the threat of extremely heavy rainfall.
Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur and Kasaragod have been placed under red alert for today, with rainfall exceeding 204.4 mm in 24 hours possible. Pathanamthitta, Kottayam, Idukki and Malappuram are under orange alert, while Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Alappuzha, Ernakulam, Thrissur and Palakkad remain on yellow alert.
With relentless rain continuing, authorities have declared a holiday for all educational institutions in Kozhikode and Wayanad on August 8. The closure also covers anganwadis, madrasas and tuition centres, but excludes professional colleges. Previously scheduled examinations and online classes will continue.
In Wayanad, night traffic has been restricted on the Boys Town–Paalchuram route amid fears of landslides at Paalchuram. Authorities have urged people to avoid non-essential travel through the ghat road.
The worsening conditions have also raised fears of landslides, landslips and flash floods across vulnerable hilly areas. Residents living in high-risk zones have been advised to move to safer locations or relief camps after confirming their availability with revenue and local-body authorities.
People have also been warned to completely avoid night travel through hilly regions as the downpour shows little sign of easing.