Kerala schools closed in 10 districts
Heavy rain continued to affect large parts of Kerala on Wednesday, August 5, flooding low-lying areas, waterlogging roads and disrupting normal life. District administrations declared holidays for educational institutions in 10 districts as a precaution against further rain and possible flooding.
The districts covered by the closure are Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Ernakulam, Idukki, Thrissur, Kozhikode, Kannur, Wayanad and Kasaragod. The orders generally apply to schools, colleges, anganwadis, tuition centres, coaching institutes, religious study classes and special classes.
Previously scheduled public examinations and official interviews are expected to continue unless district authorities issue separate instructions. In Wayanad, residential schools and colleges were initially exempted, but administrators were authorised to suspend classes if local weather conditions became unsafe.
Several educational institutions are already being used as temporary shelters for people displaced by floods and landslides. Parents and students have been advised to follow announcements from district collectors because the scope of each holiday order may vary.
The India Meteorological Department issued an orange alert for Kottayam, Alappuzha, Idukki, Pathanamthitta, Ernakulam, Kozhikode, Kannur, Wayanad and Kasaragod, warning of heavy to very heavy rainfall. Yellow alerts remained active in Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Thrissur, Palakkad and Malappuram.
Kerala flood relief camps expanded
Authorities opened additional relief camps as floodwater entered low-lying and riverside areas. Evacuation efforts were intensified in locations considered vulnerable to rising rivers, landslides and further flooding.
More than 18,000 residents had reportedly been moved to over 400 relief camps across Kerala. Pathanamthitta, Kottayam and Alappuzha recorded some of the highest numbers of displaced residents as floodwaters affected homes and transport routes.
Official figures cited in reports said 25 people had died during the current spell of severe weather. Four people remained missing and 10 others were injured. At least 52 houses were completely destroyed, while 565 homes suffered partial damage.
Kerala reportedly received 205.8 mm of rainfall between August 1 and August 4, compared with the normal 73.2 mm for the same period. The rainfall excess increased the danger of flash floods, landslides, overflowing rivers and damage to roads and houses.
District administrations urged people to avoid unnecessary travel, particularly through flooded roads and hilly areas. Residents living near rivers, unstable slopes or damaged buildings were asked to move to safer locations when instructed.
The state government is coordinating relief and recovery work with district authorities and volunteer organisations. Assistance has been announced for families that lost important documents, school materials, homes or livelihoods.
Residents should continue monitoring official IMD forecasts and district-level alerts, as school closures and safety restrictions may change if rainfall intensifies.
