Kerala on high alert amid torrential rain; schools shut, flood risk intensifies

As the downpour continued in Kerala, a holiday was declared for all educational institutions on Monday, while Chief Minister VD Satheesan will chair an online review meeting with district collectors to assess the evolving rain situation.

In Short

• Heavy rain hits Kerala, 3 stations record over 100 mm
• Schools closed Monday as downpour continues
• Monsoon active, authorities on high alert

Heavy rain lashed several parts of Kerala, with three weather stations recording more than 100 mm of rainfall, according to India Meteorological Department (IMD) data released on Monday.

Authorities also warned of a worsening situation in Pathanamthitta district, particularly in the Sabarimala region, as water levels were expected to rise in Ranni and nearby areas.

As the downpour continued, district collectors in several parts of the state declared a holiday for all educational institutions on Monday, while Chief Minister VD Satheesan will chair an online review meeting with district collectors to assess the evolving rain situation.

The office of Kerala Tourism Minister PC Vishnunadh said the relentless rainfall in the Sabarimala region had created a serious situation in Pathanamthitta.

It said the minister was camping in the district to oversee disaster management and relief operations, besides reviewing the situation at Kozhencherry along with Aranmula MLA Abin Varkey, senior government officials and other elected representatives.

Residents of low-lying areas have been directed to move to safer locations as overnight rainfall heightened the risk of flooding.

IMD data showed that between 8.30 am on Sunday and 5.30 am on Monday, Venkurinji in Pathanamthitta recorded the highest rainfall at 104.5 mm, followed by Udumbannoor in Idukki (103.0 mm) and Cheruthoni in Idukki (101.5 mm).

Other areas that received significant rainfall included Laha in Pathanamthitta (87.0 mm), Thycattussery in Alappuzha (80.0 mm), Neriamangalam in Ernakulam (75.0 mm), Ulanadu in Pathanamthitta (74.5 mm), Mattancherry in Ernakulam (71.0 mm), Ranni Chethackal in Pathanamthitta (65.5 mm), Vadavathoor in Kottayam (64.0 mm), Palluruthy in Ernakulam (63.0 mm) and Munakkal in Thrissur (62.0 mm).

The IMD classified all these locations as having received significant rainfall—defined as 60 mm or more during the observation period.

With the southwest monsoon remaining active, widespread rainfall is expected to continue across Kerala, while authorities remain on high alert, particularly in vulnerable areas of Pathanamthitta district.

- Ends