Red alert in Kerala as landslides hit Idukki district; IMD warns of more heavy rain
Kerala's Idukki district reported landslides on Friday even as the
India Meteorological Department
(IMD) sounded a red alert for three districts due to continued heavy rainfall, PTI reported.
The landslides come amid intense showers across the state, with the IMD forecasting widespread rainfall under the influence of strong westerly winds in the lower tropospheric levels.
The IMD has also warned of "isolated extremely heavy rainfall" in parts of Kerala over the next few days.
— PTI_News (@PTI_News)
A red alert is in effect for eight districts — Pathanamthitta, Kottayam, Ernakulam, Idukki, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur and Kasaragod. An orange alert has been issued for Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Alappuzha, Thrissur, Palakkad and Malappuram, ANI had reported on Thursday.
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"Strong westerlies likely to continue at lower tropospheric levels over Kerala and the Lakshadweep region during the next 2–3 days. Under the influence of these, widespread rainfall activity with scattered Heavy rainfall to Very Heavy rainfall with isolated Extremely Heavy rainfall is very likely to occur over Kerala on 29th & 30th May 2025. Heavy rainfall is very likely to occur at isolated places over Kerala on 31st May, 1st and 2nd June 2025,' said the IMD.
Educational institutions shut in several districts
In response to the red and orange alerts, district administrations have declared holidays for educational institutions in multiple districts on May 30 (Friday). The orders cover schools, professional colleges, anganwadis, madrassas, tuition centers and special coaching classes.
Idukki, where landslides were reported, has shut all institutions except residential schools and colleges. Summer coaching is not allowed.
Kottayam has closed all educational facilities. MG University has postponed exams scheduled for Friday.
Ernakulam, Kasaragod, Wayanad, Pathanamthitta, Thrissur, Palakkad, Kannur, and Kuttanad Taluk in Alappuzha have issued similar closure orders, though in most cases, scheduled exams will proceed as planned.
Night travel and tourism restricted in Idukki
With the IMD's red alert for May 29 and 30, the Kerala government has implemented emergency measures in Idukki district under the Disaster Management Act, 2005:
Night-time travel in high-range areas is banned from 7 PM to 6 AM, except for emergencies.
All tourism-related activities are suspended until further notice.
Authorities have urged residents to remain alert and avoid travel in vulnerable areas as rainfall is expected to continue through early next week.
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