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The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Thursday, July 17, issued extreme rainfall warnings for northern Kerala districts over the next four days, prompting widespread school closures and safety advisories.
The district administration of Kasargod, Kannur and Wayanad have declared a holiday for all educational institutions on July 18.
The IMD has issued a red warning for Wayanad, Kannur, and Kasargod on July 18, forecasting heavy to very heavy rainfall ranging from 7 cm to 20 cm.
For July 19, Kozhikode also received a red warning. By July 20, five districts — including Malappuram — are expected to receive extremely heavy rainfall (exceeding 20 cm in 24 hours).
According to the IMD, a depression over Uttar Pradesh and an upper air cyclonic circulation over north interior Karnataka are contributing to the increased rainfall in Kerala.
An orange warning has been issued for Malappuram, Kozhikode, and Idukki on July 18. Ernakulam, Thrissur, Idukki, and Palakkad remain under orange warning through July 20. On July 21, Kasargod and Kannur will also be under warning, while other districts are on yellow warning. The IMD’s colour-coded warnings indicate severity: red (take action), orange (be prepared), and yellow (be aware).
On Wednesday, Hosdurg in Kasargod recorded 18 cm of rainfall, while Irikkur and Cheruvanchery in Kannur recorded 17 cm each. A minor land collapse was reported in a non-residential area of Kuttiyadi in Kozhikode district.
The IMD has also warned of strong surface winds (40–50 kmph) along the Kerala coast for the next five days. Fisherfolk and coastal residents have been advised to avoid fishing and marine activities along the Kerala–Karnataka and Lakshadweep coasts until July 21.