Kerala rains persist, schools shut in 8 districts, orange alert issued

Rains continued in several parts of Kerala on Saturday, prolonging waterlogging and inundation in many districts, while the IMD forecast moderate rainfall at isolated places in seven districts in the morning.

Moderate rainfall accompanied by winds reaching up to 30 kmph is very likely at isolated places in Thiruvananthapuram, Idukki, Ernakulam, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur and Kasaragod districts, the India Meteorological Department said.

Light rainfall is likely at isolated places in the remaining districts, it said.

With floodwaters yet to recede completely, a large number of people continued to stay in relief camps in several south and central districts.

For Sunday, the IMD has issued an orange alert for Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur and Kasaragod districts.

An orange alert refers to very heavy rain of 11 cm to 20 cm.

The Upper Kuttanad and Kuttanad regions of Alappuzha remained inundated, though floodwaters were gradually receding, officials said.

In several coastal areas, high waves, sea incursion and strong winds kept fishermen off the sea.

In view of the prevailing rains, holidays have been declared for all educational institutions in eight districts — Kasaragod, Kannur, Wayanad, Kozhikode, Thrissur, Kottayam, Pathanamthitta and Alappuzha —for Saturday as a precautionary measure.

The holiday applies to all educational institutions, from anganwadis to professional colleges, authorities said.

The Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA) said strong winds were among the state's most destructive weather-related hazards, often causing damage by uprooting trees and snapping branches.

It advised people not to take shelter under trees or park vehicles beneath them during strong winds and rain.

Residents were also advised to prune weak branches around their homes and report dangerous trees in public places to local authorities.

People were asked to keep doors and windows closed once strong winds begin, avoid standing near them and refrain from staying on terraces.

Those living in houses with thatched roofs, sheet roofing or other structurally weak buildings were advised to move to safer shelters or relief camps if directed by authorities.

Local self-government institutions, revenue officials and elected representatives have been asked to facilitate the evacuation of vulnerable residents to relief camps wherever necessary.