Malappuram, Kozhikode and Wayanad will be under a red alert on October 25, while Idukki and Palakkad will be under the alert the following day.Officials warned that intense rainfall over a short period could cause flash floods, overflowing streams, waterlogging in urban and low-lying areas, and landslides. (PTI Photo)Thiruvananthapuram,Oct 24, 2026 23:41 ISTThe India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued red alerts for extremely heavy rainfall in five Kerala districts on Sunday and Monday, news agency Press Trust of India reported.Malappuram, Kozhikode and Wayanad will be under a red alert on October 25, while Idukki and Palakkad will be under the alert the following day.An orange alert has been issued for Thrissur, Palakkad, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur and Kasaragod on Saturday, indicating the possibility of very heavy rainfall at isolated places.Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Idukki and Ernakulam will be under a yellow alert for heavy rainfall on Saturday. The IMD classifies rainfall exceeding 204.4 mm in 24 hours as extremely heavy, rainfall between 115.6 mm and 204.4 mm as very heavy, and rainfall between 64.5 mm and 115.5 mm as heavy.In view of the alerts, the Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA) warned that intense rainfall over a short period could cause flash floods, overflowing streams, waterlogging in urban and low-lying areas, and landslides.
The authority advised people in landslide-prone hilly areas and flood-prone low-lying regions to move to safer places if necessary. It also asked people not to cross rivers or enter water bodies during heavy rain, avoid non-essential travel, and stay away from waterfalls and hilly areas until the warnings are withdrawn.Night travel to hilly areas should be completely avoided, the KSDMA said in a social media post.
It also urged the public and government agencies to remain vigilant.Following the red alert, the Malappuram District Collector declared a holiday on Sunday for anganwadis, madrasas, tuition centres, parallel colleges and other coaching centres, PTI reported.The Kozhikode District Collector also declared a holiday for educational institutions, including anganwadis, madrasas and tuition centres.Authorities said the holiday would not apply to residential educational institutions and hostels, or to university and public examinations scheduled in advance.Five Kerala districts will, therefore, face red alerts over two days, while several others remain under orange and yellow alerts. Authorities have asked residents to take precautions, avoid risky travel and remain vigilant during the period of heavy rainfall.- Ends