District collectors of Kottayam, Wayanad, Ernakulam and Idukki districts of Kerala have declared holidays for schools and other academic institutions on Thursday owing to heavy rains and flash floods.
In Idukki, educational institutions including professional colleges will remain closed. In Malappuram, professional colleges have been excluded. In Wayanad, holiday has been declared for academic institutions barring professional colleges and model residential schools. The Ernakulam district collector has also declared holiday for schools till higher secondary.
However, there will be no change in the examinations that had been declared in advance.
In Alappuzha, holiday has been declared for educational institutions except professional colleges in Chertala Taluk. In Kottayam, Kidangur Pirayar government LPS in Meenachil Taluk will remain closed as a relief camp has been opened in the school premises.
After a hiatus of a few days, the Southwest monsoon has gained strength in the state and incessant rains have disturbed normal life in most of the districts.
Heavy rains lashed several districts on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday and the administration has been put on high alert.
The Meteorological Department has forecast active rains over the southern peninsula for the next five to six days. The department has forecast widespread rains in the state till July 14.
Wayanad and Idukki worse hit
The shutters of Kabani reservoir across the Kabani river in Wayanad were opened on Tuesday noon. In the district, as many as 14 relief camps were opened at various locations to relocate families. Wayanad received an average 113.33 mm rainfall on Tuesday whereas in Idukki, another district badly hit, several landslips were reported.
In the rain hit districts, power supply was disrupted as electric lines were damaged. Water level in the Thoduuzha town in Idukki and Muvattupuzha in Ernakulam rose as shutters of the Malankara dam were opened. This also caused inundation in the low-lying areas.
Heavy rains coupled with strong winds have been battering the state for two months.