Following a red alert issued by the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the district administrations of Idukki, Malappuram and Palakkad have announced a holiday for all educational institutions on Wednesday, October 22. The warning comes amid forecasts of heavy to very heavy rainfall across central and southern Kerala, prompting local authorities to take precautionary steps to ensure the safety of students and staff.
I am writing about this because such weather alerts have become more frequent in Kerala in recent years, with heavy monsoon rains often disrupting daily life and posing risks in hilly and low-lying areas. Understanding why these alerts are issued, how authorities respond, and how it affects students and families is important. It also reflects how Kerala’s disaster management system has evolved since the major floods of 2018. When a red alert is declared, it signals that people in vulnerable areas must stay cautious and that government machinery is fully on alert.
What Led to the Red Alert
The IMD issued a red alert for Idukki, Malappuram and Palakkad districts, predicting extremely heavy rainfall exceeding 20 cm in a 24-hour period. The weather department attributed the condition to a strong low-pressure system over the Arabian Sea, which has been intensifying and moving toward Kerala’s coast. These districts, known for their hilly terrain and river systems, are particularly prone to landslides and flash floods during intense rainfall.
District Collectors announced that all schools, colleges, and professional institutions—including anganwadis—would remain closed on Wednesday as a safety measure. Examinations scheduled for the day will be postponed, with new dates to be announced later by the respective institutions.
How the Districts Are Preparing
Local administrations have activated disaster response teams and opened control rooms to monitor the situation. In Idukki, where the risk of landslides remains high, officials have issued special instructions for residents in vulnerable zones to stay alert and avoid unnecessary travel. In Malappuram, police and revenue teams are on standby for emergency evacuations, especially in low-lying regions near rivers.
In Palakkad, officials have urged people living near riverbanks and hilly slopes to be cautious. The district administration has directed schools used as relief camps during emergencies to be ready for possible deployment.
IMD Forecast and State Response
The IMD’s red alert means “take action” — indicating a high likelihood of extremely heavy rain that may cause flooding, road blocks or damage to property. Meanwhile, orange alerts have been issued for several other districts including Ernakulam, Thrissur and Kottayam, forecasting heavy rainfall in those areas as well.
The State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA) has advised people to avoid water bodies, hilly routes, and unnecessary travel. Fishermen have been warned not to venture into the sea due to strong winds and rough conditions.
Impact on Students and Daily Life
For students and parents, this sudden holiday may offer relief but also concern. While many schools have shifted to online updates to inform families about rescheduled exams and assignments, the priority remains safety. In areas like Idukki and Malappuram, where some schools are located in flood-prone regions, closures like these prevent accidents during travel.
Daily commuters, small traders and farmers may also face disruptions, as continuous rainfall affects transportation, local markets and agriculture. Power outages and waterlogging have already been reported in certain areas of the districts under alert.
A Pattern of Precaution
Over the past few years, Kerala has developed a more structured response system to monsoon warnings. After the devastating floods of 2018 and 2019, authorities have focused on early alerts, timely closures and community-level coordination. The decision to close schools is often taken with safety as the first priority, even if rainfall later turns out lighter than expected.
