Heavy Rain Batters Kerala, Seven Districts Under Red Alert

Kerala witnessed intense rainfall on Friday, August 7, as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a red alert for seven districts, warning of heavy rain and strong winds over parts of the state.

According to the latest IMD nowcast bulletin, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Ernakulam, Thrissur, Palakkad, Kannur and Kasaragod were placed under a red warning for the morning hours. Isolated areas could receive rainfall exceeding 15 mm per hour, accompanied by wind gusts of up to 50 kmph.

The IMD has also issued an orange alert for Pathanamthitta, Idukki, Malappuram, Kozhikode and Wayanad, while Thiruvananthapuram and Kollam remain under a yellow alert.

Heavy to Very Heavy Rain Forecast

The IMD's regional bulletin indicates that rain or thundershowers are likely at most places across Kerala on August 7 and August 8. Isolated areas may receive heavy to very heavy rainfall, with the possibility of extremely heavy rainfall in some locations.

The weather department has warned of strong surface winds, occasionally reaching 40–50 kmph, across Kerala and Lakshadweep during the period from August 6 to August 8.

Flooding and Landslide Risks

Continuous rainfall has raised concerns over waterlogging, flash floods and landslides, particularly in low-lying and hilly areas. The IMD has advised people to avoid vulnerable structures, riverfronts and areas prone to waterlogging.

Parts of Kuttanad and Upper Kuttanad in Alappuzha remain affected by inundation, although floodwaters have started receding in some areas. Several people continue to stay in relief camps as rainfall persists.

Authorities have also warned residents in vulnerable coastal areas to remain alert as high waves and sea incursion are affecting parts of the Kerala coast.

Coastal Warning and Fishing Advisory

The Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services has warned of the Kallakkadal phenomenon, with waves of around 1.1 to 1.5 metres potentially causing sea incursion along parts of the Kerala coast. The warning covers coastal areas of Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam and Alappuzha.

Fishermen have been advised not to venture into the sea during the period of rough weather. The IMD has forecast squally conditions along and off the Kerala coast, with winds potentially reaching 40–50 kmph and gusting up to 60 kmph.

Schools Shut in Several Districts

Amid the severe weather conditions, district administrations in Ernakulam and Thrissur announced holidays for educational institutions on Friday. Holidays had also been declared earlier in Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Wayanad, Kannur and Kasaragod.

Authorities have urged residents to follow official weather and disaster-management advisories, avoid unnecessary travel during intense rainfall and move to safer locations if instructed.

With the southwest monsoon remaining active, Kerala is expected to continue experiencing widespread rainfall in the coming days, although the intensity of the weather is forecast to ease gradually after the current spell.