Heavy rainfall continued to lash Kerala on Friday, prompting the India Meteorological Department (IMD) to issue a red alert for seven districts during the morning hours, while educational institutions remained closed in several districts as authorities monitored the evolving weather situation.

According to the IMD’s nowcast bulletin issued at 7 am, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Ernakulam, Thrissur, Palakkad, Kannur and Kasaragod were placed under a red alert, with forecasts of rainfall exceeding 15 mm per hour and wind gusts reaching up to 50 kmph at isolated places over the next three hours.

Schools remain closed in several districts

In view of the continuing downpour, district administrations in Ernakulam and Thrissur declared a holiday for educational institutions on Friday. Earlier, schools and colleges had already been closed in Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Wayanad, Kannur and Kasaragod.

An orange alert was issued for Pathanamthitta, Idukki, Malappuram, Kozhikode and Wayanad, where moderate rainfall accompanied by gusty winds was forecast.

Meanwhile, Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam and Lakshadweep remained under a yellow alert, with light to moderate rainfall expected.

Floodwaters recede, but relief camps remain active

Officials said floodwaters have begun receding in parts of Kottayam, Pathanamthitta and Alappuzha, although many residents continue to stay in relief camps due to persistent waterlogging.

The Upper Kuttanad and Kuttanad regions of Alappuzha remain inundated, even as water levels gradually decline.

Coastal areas remain on high alert

Coastal districts are also facing rough sea conditions due to high waves, sea incursion and strong winds.

The Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS) has warned of the ‘Kallakkadal’ (swell wave) phenomenon, with waves ranging between 1.1 metres and 1.5 metres likely to affect coastal areas in Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam and Alappuzha until 11.30 am on Friday.

Authorities have advised residents in vulnerable coastal areas to remain alert, avoid venturing into the sea, refrain from launching small fishing vessels and suspend beach tourism activities until conditions improve