Thiruvananthapuram: In response to persistent and intense rainfall lashing various parts of Kerala, district administrations have announced a holiday for all educational institutions across nine districts on Monday. The decision, prompted by alerts from the India Meteorological Department (IMD), applies to Kasaragod, Kannur, Wayanad, Kozhikode, Malappuram, Thrissur, Ernakulam, Idukki, and Kottayam, along with Kuttanad taluk of Alappuzha district, which has been grappling with heavy waterlogging.
All types of educational institutions including schools, colleges, professional colleges, anganwadis, tuition centers, madrasas, Kendriya Vidyalayas, and special coaching centers will remain closed in these regions. However, residential schools and hostels are excluded from this directive and are expected to function as usual.
The respective district collectors have clarified that despite the holiday, there will be no change in scheduled examinations or interviews. Institutions hosting pre-planned tests are advised to conduct them as announced, following all necessary safety precautions.
In Kuttanad taluk, severe waterlogging has caused traffic disruptions and raised safety concerns, prompting a precautionary closure of educational institutions, including professional colleges. Authorities noted that floodwaters have inundated several roads and areas, making travel difficult and potentially hazardous for students and staff.
Meanwhile, the Central Meteorological Department has warned of continued rainfall activity across the state over the next five days. For Monday, a red alert indicating extremely heavy rainfall has been issued for Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur, and Kasaragod districts. An orange alert is in place for Pathanamthitta, Kottayam, Idukki, Ernakulam, Thrissur, and Palakkad, while Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, and Alappuzha are under yellow alert, signaling potential moderate rainfall.
Disaster management authorities have urged the public to remain vigilant, especially in landslide-prone hilly regions, and to follow weather updates and instructions from local bodies. Emergency response teams are on high alert, and district administrations are closely monitoring the situation to ensure timely action as required.