Heavy rain: Holiday declared tomorrow for all educational institutions including tuition centres in Malappuram

MALAPPURAM: In view of the heavy rainfall, the District Collector has announced a holiday for all educational institutions in Malappuram district on May 25. Given the ongoing heavy rains and the red alert issued for May 25, all educational institutions, including madrasas and tuition centres, will remain closed. Collector VR Vinod made this announcement through a Facebook post.

A red alert has been issued for tomorrow in the districts of Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur and Kasargod, with extremely heavy rainfall expected. For May 26, a red alert has been issued for Pathanamthitta, Kottayam, Idukki, Ernakulam, Thrissur, Palakkad, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur and Kasargod districts. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), "extremely heavy rainfall" refers to more than 204.4 mm of rain within 24 hours.

Such intense rainfall can lead to dangerous situations. A high volume of rain over a short period is expected, which could trigger flash floods and landslides. Waterlogging is likely in urban and low-lying areas. Both the public and government systems are urged to remain extremely vigilant.

Special guidelines for the public

• People living in areas prone to landslides, mudslides, and flash floods—especially in hilly regions receiving heavy rainfall—must move to safer locations. It is advised to relocate during the daytime itself for safety.
• Residents of low-lying areas that are frequently affected by waterlogging should assess the situation and move to the relief camps being set up.
• Due to the possibility of strong winds, those living in houses without proper structural integrity or with weak roofs must exercise extra caution. Anyone noticing a hazardous situation should contact the authorities and move to a safer location as a precautionary measure.
• Trees, poles, boards, and walls in a dangerous condition in both private and public spaces should be secured. Overhanging or unstable trees must be trimmed. Any hazards should be brought to the attention of the authorities.
• Under no circumstances should people attempt to cross rivers or enter rivers or other water bodies for bathing, fishing, or any other activity during heavy rain.
• Avoid unnecessary travel during periods of intense rainfall. Recreational trips to waterfalls, water bodies, and hilly areas should be postponed until the weather alerts are lifted.
• Exercise caution while traveling on roads near water bodies. Extra care should be taken on roads undergoing repair or maintenance, as the likelihood of road accidents increases in extremely heavy rain.
• Due to the possibility of strong sea surges along various coastal areas, residents in vulnerable coastal zones must remain vigilant and be ready to relocate if necessary. Fishing equipment should be safely secured.
• In districts under red or orange alerts with ongoing heavy rainfall, relief camps must be proactively set up. People should find out in advance the designated relief camp buildings in their area from the respective revenue or local government authorities, and be aware of safe routes to reach them.