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The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red weather warning for Kozhikode and Wayanad districts on Wednesday, May 28, indicating rainfall of over 20 cm. The alert comes in the wake of relentless rain and forecasts of extremely heavy downpours, raising the risk of landslides, flash floods, and widespread disruption.
According to the IMD’s latest bulletin, Kozhikode and Wayanad witnessed over 24 hours of continuous rainfall. Lower Sholayar in Thrissur district recorded the highest rainfall at 12 cm by 8.30 am on Wednesday, followed closely by Vythiri in Wayanad (11 cm). Other significant rainfall readings include Munnar (Idukki), Parambikulam (Palakkad), Angadipuram (Malappuram), and Vadakara (Kozhikode), all of which recorded 10 cm.
The IMD has placed four more districts—Pathanamthitta, Idukki, Kannur, and Kasaragod—under red alert for May 29. Eleven districts, including Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, and Alappuzha, remain under orange alert (11 cm - 20 cm), indicating ‘very heavy rain’. A yellow alert (6 cm -11 cm) has also been issued for 12 districts on May 31, suggesting the monsoon surge will continue in the days to come.
The ongoing downpour has led to a substantial increase in the state’s overall rainfall. Kerala has already recorded a 108% surplus compared to the average monsoon rainfall of 2018.6 mm typically seen over the four-month season. Forecasts indicate this surplus is likely to continue into June.
In response to the deteriorating weather conditions, the Wayanad district administration has declared a holiday for all educational institutions.
Kozhikode district authorities have set up relief camps to shelter those displaced by the rain. As of now, 44 families—comprising 151 individuals, including 52 women and 43 children—have been relocated to safer areas.
The Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA) has urged residents in high-range and hilly areas to remain alert and prepare for possible landslides, mudslides, and rockfalls. People in vulnerable zones have been strongly advised to move to safer locations immediately.