Thiruvananthapuram ,Aug 2
Widespread rain continued across Kerala on Sunday, causing waterlogging and flooding in several areas and prompting authorities to close educational institutions in nine districts on Monday as a precautionary measure.
District administrations in Kasaragod, Kannur, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Malappuram, Thrissur, Idukki, Kottayam and Pathanamthitta have declared a holiday for educational institutions in view of the prevailing weather conditions and the possibility of further heavy rainfall.
Authorities said the decision was taken keeping in mind the safety of students as several areas remained vulnerable to flooding, waterlogging and rain-related disruptions.
In Alappuzha, the district administration has declared a holiday for students of schools and colleges currently functioning as relief camps. Educational institutions in the flood-prone Chengannur and Kuttanad taluks will also remain closed on Monday.
The closure in the two taluks will cover all educational institutions, including professional colleges, anganwadis and tuition centres. Residents in low-lying areas have been advised to remain cautious as continued rainfall could lead to a further rise in water levels.
Meanwhile, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has placed all 14 districts of Kerala under a yellow alert for Monday, indicating the possibility of isolated heavy rainfall. The weather agency said rainfall ranging from 7 cm to 11 cm could occur at isolated locations within a 24-hour period.
Rain continued in several parts of the State on Sunday, aggravating waterlogging in vulnerable areas. District administrations and disaster management authorities are monitoring the situation, particularly in low-lying and hilly regions.
People living in areas prone to flooding and landslides have been asked to exercise caution and follow official advisories. Authorities have also advised against unnecessary travel through inundated stretches and vulnerable hill roads until weather conditions improve.
