Heavy rainfall continued across Kerala on Saturday, causing widespread disruption in many parts of the state. Waterlogging, fallen trees, damaged houses and traffic disruptions were reported as the southwest monsoon intensified its impact.
A 29-year-old man lost his life in Manaloor area of Thrissur district after a tree fell on a temporary shed where he was sleeping. According to Fire and Rescue Services officials, the shed was completely destroyed in the incident. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for five districts.. Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur and Kasaragod.. warning of extremely heavy rainfall. An orange alert has been issued for Pathanamthitta, Kottayam, Ernakulam, Idukki, Thrissur and Palakkad, while the remaining districts are under a yellow alert.
According to the IMD, a red alert indicates rainfall exceeding 20 cm within 24 hours. An orange alert is issued when rainfall is expected between 11 cm and 20 cm, while a yellow alert indicates rainfall between 6 cm and 11 cm. In view of the severe weather conditions, authorities have imposed several restrictions. Entry to tourist trekking destinations has been temporarily banned in Wayanad, Kozhikode and Kasaragod districts. Night travel on hilly roads and quarrying activities have also been restricted in these areas as a precautionary measure.
Several district administrations declared holidays for educational institutions due to the heavy rain forecast. Schools and colleges remained closed in Wayanad, Kannur and Kasaragod districts. The holiday order also covered anganwadis, tuition centres, Kendriya Vidyalayas, madrasas and other educational institutions in the affected districts. The Kannur district administration clarified that while educational institutions would remain closed, previously scheduled university examinations, public examinations and interviews would be conducted as planned.
The weather department said the southwest monsoon has advanced further and now covers most parts of the Arabian Sea region and sections of Goa, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu. Meteorologists attributed the intense rainfall in Kerala to a cyclonic circulation over northern parts of the state. The IMD has forecast heavy to very heavy rainfall across Kerala and Mahe from June 6 to June 9. Thunderstorms accompanied by strong winds of 40 to 50 kilometres per hour are also expected across the state until June 10.
Meanwhile, fishermen have been advised not to venture into the sea along the Kerala, Lakshadweep and Karnataka coasts between June 6 and June 9. The weather department warned that strong winds reaching speeds of 40 to 60 kilometres per hour could make sea conditions dangerous. Authorities have urged residents in vulnerable areas to remain alert and follow official safety advisories as heavy rainfall is expected to continue over the next few days.
