In response to heavy rain forecasts, educational institutions — including schools, colleges, and tuition centers — in Thrissur, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur, and Kasargod districts will remain closed on Friday, August 2. The decision follows an ‘orange’ alert issued by the India Meteorological Department for Wayanad, which has been devastated by landslides that have claimed over 290 lives.
Palakkad district has also declared a holiday for schools, anganwadis, tuition centers, and madrassas on Friday, though colleges and residential schools like Navodaya will continue operations.
Key Updates on Kerala Rain & Wayanad Landslides
Thrissur: District Collector Arjun Pandian has declared a holiday due to heavy rain, strong winds, and waterlogging. Many schools are functioning as relief camps, but exams and interviews will proceed as scheduled.
Idukki and Ernakulam: Schools serving as relief camps will be closed for classes on Friday, according to district authorities.
Weather Forecast: The India Meteorological Department expects heavy rainfall to persist in Kerala until August 5.
Wayanad: Rescue teams are working under challenging conditions to find survivors from the landslides that struck the region three days ago. While reports vary, the Kerala Revenue Minister K Rajan has confirmed at least 190 deaths, with the toll expected to rise as searches continue.
Casualties: The deceased include 27 children and 76 women, with more than 225 others injured. The most severely affected areas are Mundakkai and Chooralmala.
Rescue Challenges: Efforts are hampered by destroyed roads, bridges, and a lack of heavy equipment, making it difficult to clear debris from affected areas.
Infrastructure: The Indian Army has completed the construction of the Cl 24 Bailey Bridge over the Iruvanipzha River, connecting Chooralmala with Mundakkai. The bridge is now open to traffic and has been handed over to the Civil Administration.
Political Response: Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra visited Chooralmala, Wayanad, on Thursday. Rahul Gandhi described the situation as a severe tragedy and emphasized the urgent need for additional support and resources.
