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The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red warning for five northern Kerala districts—Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur, and Kasaragod—on Monday, June 16 cautioning of extremely heavy rainfall exceeding 20 cm in 24 hours.
On Sunday, Wayanad recorded the heaviest downpour, with Alattil receiving 178 mm and Padinjarathara 162 mm of rain. Irimbiliyam in Malappuram (161 mm) and Madur in Kasaragod (157 mm) also reported intense rainfall.
In response to the worsening weather conditions, all educational institutions will remain closed on Tuesday in all districts except Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Alappuzha, Kannur and Kozhikode. However, pre-scheduled interviews and examinations will proceed as planned.
Heavy rainfall on Sunday led to widespread destruction and claimed at least four lives across the state. Fatal incidents were reported from Azhikkal (Thrissur), Konni (Pathanamthitta), Chathamangalam (Kozhikode), and Cheruvally (Kottayam). Among the deceased was Alan Devassy, who died after slipping into a waterlogged area in Olassa, Kottayam. In Ernakulam’s Varapuzha, 17-year-old Paul drowned. In Pathanamthitta, Ranjith Rajendran of Vallamkulam lost his life after his canoe capsized and he became entangled in a fishing net.
IMD has also issued orange warnings—indicating very heavy rainfall—for several districts including Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Idukki, Ernakulam, Thrissur, and Palakkad. Authorities have warned of continued rain and potential hazards such as landslides, flash floods, and waterlogging in low-lying areas.
The Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA) has issued a high wave and coastal erosion warning along the state’s coast, predicting waves between 3.2 and 4.3 metres on June 17. A red coastal warning has been issued for stretches in Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Alappuzha, Thrissur, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Kannur, and Kasaragod. An orange warning covers the Ernakulam coast and extends to the Neerodi–Arockiapuram stretch in Tamil Nadu’s Kanyakumari district.
KSDMA has urged residents in coastal areas to avoid the sea and suspend all beach or marine activities. Small fishing vessels should be securely docked in harbours, with boats tied down and spaced to avoid collisions. Fishing equipment should be stored safely. Tourism operators have been instructed to halt all beach-related activities until further notice. Coastal inhabitants have been asked to stay alert for possible sea incursions and move to safer areas if advised by local authorities.