Thiruvananthapuram, August 7: With heavy rain expected to continue across Kerala, district administrations in seven districts have declared a holiday for educational institutions on Saturday as a precautionary measure.
The holiday has been announced in Thrissur, Pathanamthitta, Kozhikode, Kottayam, Wayanad, Kannur and Kasaragod following forecasts of intense rainfall and the possibility of weather-related disruptions.
In Kottayam, Thrissur, Pathanamthitta and Kannur, all educational institutions will remain closed. Residential schools in Kannur, however, have been exempted. Scheduled public and university examinations and interviews will be held as planned.
The Education Department has directed that academic days lost due to holidays declared under the Disaster Management Act, 2005, should be compensated by holding classes on Saturdays or other holidays.
In Kozhikode, the closure applies to all educational institutions except professional colleges. Anganwadis, madrasas and tuition centres are also covered by the order, while scheduled examinations and online classes will continue.
In Wayanad, coaching centres, religious study classes and tuition centres will remain closed. Professional colleges and residential schools have been exempted. Authorities have also imposed restrictions on night traffic along the Boys Town-Palchuram road. Residential school authorities have been asked to take necessary precautions in view of the changing weather conditions.
Meanwhile, the India Meteorological Department has issued an orange alert for Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur and Kasaragod. A yellow alert is in place for Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Ernakulam, Idukki, Thrissur, Palakkad and Malappuram.
The IMD has warned that intense rain could result in poor visibility, traffic disruptions, waterlogging, uprooting of trees, power interruptions and landslides or mudslides in vulnerable areas. Flash floods are also possible in some locations.
People have been advised to avoid unnecessary exposure to open areas during thunderstorms and remain alert to official weather updates.
Squally weather, with winds reaching 40-50 kmph and gusting up to 60 kmph, is likely along and off the Kerala coast. Fishermen have been advised not to venture into the sea until conditions improve.
