The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Saturday issued a ‘red alert’ for five northern districts of Kerala, warning of “extremely heavy rainfall”, as torrential rains continued to batter towns and high-range regions, causing flooding and traffic snarls.
The red alert, which predicts “extremely heavy rainfall”, was issued for Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur, and Kasaragod districts.
Meanwhile, an ‘orange alert’, indicating “very heavy rainfall”, was issued for Ernakulam, Idukki, Thrissur, and Palakkad, as per the latest IMD update.
In response to the extreme rainfall warning, the Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA) has issued emergency precautionary guidelines for the public, especially in vulnerable and flood-prone areas.
In Kasaragod, the northernmost district, officials have advised strict safety measures in schools to avoid monsoon-related accidents, according to local sources.
Wayanad and Kozhikode witnessed intense overnight rainfall on Friday, though there was a slight respite on Saturday morning. Authorities in Kozhikode are actively monitoring the situation and are prepared to evacuate residents from high-altitude zones and areas near water bodies, if needed.
Crop Losses Mounting in Kozhikode
According to the State Agriculture Department, Kozhikode district alone has suffered crop losses worth ₹44 crore since May, attributed to the unrelenting rainfall and flooding of agricultural land.
Alert Levels Explained
- A Red Alert indicates “heavy to extremely heavy rainfall” exceeding 20 cm in 24 hours.
- An Orange Alert forecasts “very heavy rainfall” in the range of 11 cm to 20 cm.
As rains continue to lash Kerala, authorities urge residents to stay alert, follow official updates, and avoid unnecessary travel in affected regions.