Heavy rain batters Kerala; IMD issues red alert for 7 districts, educational institutions shut

Mangalore Today News Network

Thiruvananthapuram, Aug 7, 2026: Heavy rain continued to lash Kerala on Friday, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issuing a red alert for seven districts during the morning hours. Several districts also declared holidays for educational institutions as the downpour persisted.

According to the IMD’s 7 am nowcast bulletin, a red alert was issued for Alappuzha, Kottayam, Ernakulam, Thrissur, Palakkad, Kannur and Kasaragod. These districts are expected to receive heavy rainfall of more than 15 mm per hour, accompanied by gusty winds of up to 50 kmph at isolated places over the next three hours.

An orange alert was issued for Pathanamthitta, Idukki, Malappuram, Kozhikode and Wayanad, where rainfall of 5-15 mm per hour and wind gusts of up to 50 kmph are expected at isolated locations.

Thiruvananthapuram and Kollam districts, along with Lakshadweep, are under a yellow alert for light to moderate rainfall of less than 15 mm per hour, with wind gusts reaching up to 40 kmph.

In view of the heavy rain, the district administrations of Ernakulam and Thrissur announced holidays for educational institutions on Friday morning. Holidays had earlier been declared in Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Wayanad, Kannur and Kasaragod.

Meanwhile, floodwaters have begun receding in parts of Kottayam, Pathanamthitta and Alappuzha, although several people remain in relief camps as heavy rain continues.

The Upper Kuttanad and Kuttanad regions of Alappuzha remain inundated, though officials said water levels are gradually coming down.

Coastal areas have also been affected by high waves, sea incursion and strong winds. The Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS) has warned of the ’Kallakkadal’ or swell wave phenomenon, with waves between 1.1 metres and 1.5 metres expected to cause sea incursion along parts of the Kerala coast.

The warning is in force until 11.30 am on August 7 for coastal areas of Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam and Alappuzha districts.

Authorities have advised residents to move away from vulnerable coastal areas when instructed, avoid venturing into the sea in small boats and fishing vessels, and refrain from launching or bringing fishing craft ashore during periods of high waves.

Beach tourism and recreational activities have also been advised against until the warning is withdrawn. Coastal residents have been urged to remain alert to the possibility of sea erosion.