Thiruvananthapuram: Heavy downpours continue to lash Kerala, prompting the India Meteorological Department (IMD) to issue an orange alert for Wayanad, Kannur, and Kasaragod, and a yellow alert for Idukki, Ernakulam, Thrissur, Palakkad, Malappuram, and Kozhikode. With rainfall expected to touch up to 204 mm in some areas and winds likely to reach 40–50 kmph due to a strengthening low-pressure system over the Bay of Bengal and a trough along the Arabian Sea, authorities have stepped up precautions. In view of the worsening weather, the Palakkad District Collector has declared a holiday for all schools and educational institutions today, including anganwadis, CBSE/ICSE schools, madrasas, and private tuition centres. However, colleges, professional institutions, residential schools, and scheduled exams will function as usual. The move comes as a safety measure amid flooding and strong winds reported across parts of the state.
