Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala is bracing for extremely heavy rainfall, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issuing red alerts for five districts across Sunday and Monday. Malappuram, Kozhikode and Wayanad are under a red alert on October 25, while Idukki and Palakkad are forecast to face extremely heavy rain on October 26.

The warnings have prompted district administrations to announce holidays for educational institutions in affected areas and urge residents to follow safety instructions. The Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA) has warned that intense rainfall over short periods could trigger flash floods, overflowing streams, waterlogging and landslides.

The weather alert comes as the northeast monsoon remains active over the state, with rain affecting several districts. Authorities have called for heightened vigilance, particularly in hilly areas vulnerable to landslides and low-lying locations prone to flooding.

Five districts under red alert

According to the IMD’s latest district-wise warnings, Malappuram, Kozhikode and Wayanad are under a red alert on Sunday, October 25. Idukki and Palakkad will be under the same alert on Monday, October 26.

A red alert indicates the possibility of extremely heavy rainfall, defined by the IMD as precipitation exceeding 204.4 mm within 24 hours at isolated places.

The district-wise alerts for Sunday also include orange warnings for Pathanamthitta, Kottayam, Idukki, Ernakulam, Thrissur, Palakkad and Kannur. Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Alappuzha and Kasaragod are under a yellow alert.

For Monday, orange alerts have been issued for Pathanamthitta, Kottayam, Ernakulam, Thrissur and Malappuram. Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Alappuzha, Kozhikode and Wayanad are under yellow alerts.

The alert levels may be revised as weather conditions change, and residents have been advised to monitor official IMD and KSDMA updates.

Schools and educational institutions closed

In view of the heavy rainfall warning, district administrations have announced holidays for educational institutions in areas under the red alert.

The Malappuram District Collector declared a holiday on Sunday for anganwadis, madrasas, tuition centres, parallel colleges and other coaching centres.

The Kozhikode District Collector also announced a holiday for educational institutions, including anganwadis, madrasas and tuition centres. Wayanad authorities have likewise announced closures for specified educational activities in view of the red alert.

The exemptions announced by district administrations include residential educational institutions and hostels, as well as university and public examinations scheduled in advance. Students and parents have been advised to check the latest notices issued by their respective district collectors and institutions before travelling.

The closures are intended to reduce unnecessary movement during periods of intense rainfall and minimise the risks faced by students, teachers and other staff.

KSDMA warns of flash floods and landslides

The KSDMA has cautioned that heavy rain falling within a short period can cause streams to rise rapidly, flood low-lying areas and trigger landslides or landslips in vulnerable terrain.

Urban areas may also experience waterlogging, particularly where drainage systems struggle to handle intense rainfall. Residents in flood-prone neighbourhoods have been advised to remain alert and move to safer locations if conditions deteriorate.

People living in hilly areas vulnerable to landslides have been urged to take warnings seriously and relocate when necessary. Authorities have stressed that residents should not wait until a situation becomes dangerous before seeking safer shelter.

The disaster management authority has also asked government agencies and the public to remain vigilant throughout the warning period.

Public advised to avoid risky travel

The KSDMA has issued several precautions for residents as the rainfall intensifies.

People have been advised not to cross rivers or streams during heavy rain and to avoid entering water bodies. Even locations that appear relatively safe can become dangerous when water levels rise quickly or currents strengthen.

Non-essential travel should be avoided during intense rainfall, particularly in areas where flooding or landslides are possible. The authority has specifically advised people to avoid night travel to hilly areas.

Residents have also been urged to stay away from waterfalls, steep slopes and other locations where heavy rain can trigger sudden changes in water flow or ground conditions.

Those living in low-lying areas that regularly experience flooding should remain prepared to move to designated relief camps or other safer locations if instructed by authorities.

IMD rainfall alert categories explained

The IMD classifies rainfall into different categories based on the amount recorded over a 24-hour period. The categories help authorities communicate the expected intensity of rainfall and the level of caution required.

  • Red alert — Extremely heavy rainfall: More than 204.4 mm in 24 hours.
  • Orange alert — Very heavy rainfall: 115.6 mm to 204.4 mm in 24 hours.
  • Yellow alert — Heavy rainfall: 64.5 mm to 115.5 mm in 24 hours.

A red alert signals the potential for extremely heavy rainfall and the need for heightened preparedness. However, the actual rainfall may vary from one location to another within a district.

The IMD’s warnings are particularly important in Kerala’s hilly regions, where intense rain can increase the risk of landslides, and in low-lying areas where waterlogging and flooding can disrupt transport and daily activities.

Authorities urge residents to remain vigilant

With red alerts covering five districts over two days, authorities are urging residents to prioritise safety and follow official instructions.

District administrations have been asked to remain alert, while residents have been advised to avoid unnecessary travel, stay away from flood-prone locations and take precautions in landslide-susceptible areas.

The weather situation remains subject to change, making it important for the public to follow updated forecasts and district-level announcements rather than rely solely on earlier advisories.

As Kerala prepares for another spell of intense rainfall, timely precautions and coordination between residents and disaster management authorities will be crucial in reducing risks to life and property.