Orange alert for three districts in Kerala, holiday declared for educational institutions

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Indian Meteorological Department warned of the possibility of heavy rainfall in the state on Tuesday. Orange alert was issued for Wayanad, Kannur and Kasaragod districts. A yellow alert was issued for Idukki, Ernakulam, Thrissur, Palakkad, Malappuram and Kozhikode districts.

Light rain accompanied by strong winds with a speed of up to 30 kmph is expected at isolated places in Kollam, Kannur and Kasaragod districts in the next three hours. The Indian Meteorological Department also advised against fishing along the Kerala-Lakshadweep coast and the Karnataka coast.

Meanwhile, the District Collector declared a holiday for all educational institutions in Palakkad district, in view of the continued heavy rains. The decision was made taking note of waterlogging in several parts of the district. The holiday applies to institutions including Anganwadis, Nurseries, Kendriya Vidyalayas, CBSE and ICSE schools, kindergartens, madrasas and private tuition centres.

The holiday will not apply to colleges, professional colleges, pre-scheduled public examinations, interviews, Navodaya Vidyalayas and model residential schools conducting residential studies. All school examinations, scheduled for tomorrow, have been postponed.

Parents have been advised not to let their children enter rivers or dams during the holidays and to ensure that they stay safe at home. For safety reasons, they have been advised to avoid playing on turf and other playgrounds and to refrain from taking selfies or filming videos near bridges and water bodies.