Kerala schools and colleges closed amid heavy rainfall, red alert issued
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The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for the northern districts of Malappuram, Kannur, and Kasaragod in Kerala, forecasting extremely heavy rainfall.
Due to incessant downpours and gusty winds, authorities have declared a holiday for educational institutions in seven districts on Monday.
The IMD's latest update also placed an orange alert on Ernakulam, Thrissur, Palakkad, Idukki, Kozhikode, and Wayanad districts.
In Kottayam, fallen trees have caused damage to houses and vehicles following heavy rain and gusty winds. Several houses in the rural areas of northern Kozhikode, including Onchiyam, Kottur, and Payyoli, have suffered partial damage.
Heavy monsoon showers, accompanied by strong winds, have been reported across the state for the past two days. In response, district authorities in Thrissur, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Kannur, Kasaragod, Ernakulam, and Wayanad have closed schools and colleges.
Various dam shutters have been raised due to the continuous rains. The district administration in Pathanamthitta has urged residents in the catchment area of Moozhiyar Dam to remain vigilant as its shutters were raised.
The Kerala Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA) has warned of potential waterlogging on major roads and poor visibility, which may lead to traffic congestion. Flooding in low-lying areas and river banks, along with uprooted trees, may cause damage to the power sector.
A red alert signifies heavy to extremely heavy rain of over 20 cm in 24 hours, while an orange alert indicates very heavy rain of 11 cm to 20 cm.