The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a warning about intensifying rains in Kerala, prompting an orange alert for districts from Malappuram to Kasaragod today. A yellow alert has been issued for other districts, excluding Thiruvananthapuram and Kollam.
The IMD reports that after the current low-pressure system in the Bay of Bengal, situated over Odisha, weakens, a new low-pressure area is expected to form in the northwest Bay of Bengal by July 19. This will keep the Arabian Sea monsoon active, bringing widespread rain to Kerala.
Due to ongoing heavy rains, educational institutions in eight districts—Kozhikode, Wayanad, Palakkad, Idukki, Alappuzha, Thrissur, Kannur, and Kottayam—have declared a holiday today. Exams will proceed as scheduled, and the holiday does not apply to colleges in Kannur.
Travel restrictions have been enforced across the state due to the severe weather:
Ban on District Tourism Promotion Council (DTPC) centers in Kozhikode.
Restrictions on visiting waterfalls in Palakkad.
Wayanad collector’s directive to halt operations of adventure parks and trekking activities.
Travel ban at Ponmudi in Thiruvananthapuram.
Prohibition on travel to Ilaveezhapoonchira, Illikkal Kallu, and Marmala Waterfall in Kottayam.
Night travel ban on the Erattupetta-Wagamon road.
Prohibitions in Attappadi, Nelliyampathy, and Parambikulam areas.
