Thiruvananthapuram/Kasaragod: Anticipating extremely heavy rainfall owing to Cyclone Fengal, the district collectors of Kasaragod, Thrissur and Alappuzha declared a holiday for all educational institutions on Tuesday. Meanwhile, the Malappuram district collector declared a holiday for all educational institutions except professional colleges.

Thiruvananthapuram District Collector Anu Kumari has declared holiday for all the government offices and educational institutions within the Thiruvananthapuram city corporation limits on December 3 due to the annual Uroos festival.

The latest forecast from the India Meteorological Department (IMD), issued at 4 pm on Monday, placed Kasaragod under an orange alert for Tuesday, indicating very heavy rainfall between 115.6 mm and 204.4 mm, while no alert has been issued for Thrissur. 

The India Meteorological Department issued a red alert on Monday for the Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, and Kannur districts. These regions will receive extremely heavy rainfall (over 204.4 mm) in the next 24 hours. The weather office issued an orange alert in the Idukki, Ernakulam, Thrissur and Palakkad districts and a yellow alert in the Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha and Kottayam districts.

According to the Met Department, rain or thundershowers are likely to occur in most places of Kerala until December 7. Squally wind, reaching 35 – 45 kmph and gusting to 55 kmph, is likely to prevail along the Kerala-Karnataka-Lakshadweep coast until December 4. Fishermen are also advised not to venture into the sea during this period. 

Red alert in districts
Dec 2 – Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur, Kasaragod
Orange alert in districts
Dec 2 – Ernakulam, Idukki, Thrissur, Palakkad
Dec 3 – Kannur, Kasaragod

Yellow alert in districts
Dec 2 – Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam
Dec 3 – Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad

Probable impacts of heavy rain
- Reduced visibility could cause traffic congestion.
- Temporary traffic disruptions due to waterlogging, uprooting of trees, or broken branches.
- Electricity disruption.
- Heavy rains may harm standing crops and vegetables, particularly those in the maturity stage.
- Landslides, mudslides, or landslips in vulnerable areas.
- Lightning strikes may threaten people and animals in open spaces.

Actions suggested
- Adhere to traffic advisories and updates.
- Avoid staying in vulnerable structures.
- Secure vegetable pandals to prevent damage.
- Seek shelter during thunderstorms or lightning activities.
- Stay informed about weather updates and warnings.