Kozhikode reported four rain-related deaths and damage to over 40 homes. Widespread waterlogging prompted relocation of nine families from Manhacheeli and four from Kavilumpara due to landslide and erosion risks
Published May 26, 2025 | 4:36 PM ⚊ Updated May 26, 2025 | 4:36 PM
Kerala braces for heavy rains: Red alerts, dam openings, and emergency measures in place
Synopsis: Kerala remains on high alert as torrential rains continue, prompting the IMD to issue red alerts for 11 districts on May 26 and orange alerts for six on May 27. Water Resources Minister Roshy Augustine will chair an emergency meeting with Idukki officials to assess preparedness. Alerts highlight risks of flooding, landslides, and damage across vulnerable districts
With torrential rains battering Kerala, the state is on high alert as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) maintains a red alert across 11 districts for Monday, 26 May and an orange alert for six on Tuesday, 27 May.
Water Resources Minister Roshy Augustine is set to chair an emergency online meeting today, 26 May, with Idukki district officials, including the Collector and Subcollectors, to review disaster preparedness.
The IMD’s alert system indicates significant risk: an orange alert suggests rainfall between 64 mm and 204 mm, while a yellow alert—issued for the remaining districts—warns of rainfall up to 115 mm. The alerts come amid rising concerns over flooding, landslides, and infrastructure damage.
In a preemptive move, Idukki District Collector has approved the opening of Pambla Dam shutters today. Shutters 4, 5, and 6 of the Idukki Malankara Dam were also raised by 100 cm due to heavy inflow.
While the Thodupuzhayar and Moovattupuzhayar rivers currently accommodate the excess water, authorities remain vigilant.
The Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA) has issued river alerts:
Kozhikode has reported four rain-related fatalities and damage to at least 40 homes. Waterlogging is widespread, and nine families from Manhacheeli in Vilangad and four from Kavilumpara have been relocated due to landslide threats and streambank erosion.
District rainfall forecast
Water levels at Kolikkal and Kunnamangalam have crossed danger and warning marks.
In Idukki, strong winds and rains on Sunday, 25 May, uprooted trees across several panchayats, severely affecting Kodikkulam and Karimannoor. Roads in Wards 1 and 2 remain blocked across a 2-km stretch due to fallen trees.
All educational institutions in the 10 red-alert districts will remain closed on Monday, except in Palakkad. However, exams already scheduled will be conducted as planned.
The IMD has also warned of rough seas and high waves along Kerala’s coastline. Fishing has been banned off the coasts of Kerala, Karnataka, and Lakshadweep.
According to the latest radar imagery, moderate to intense rain with gusty winds up to 60 kmph is expected in Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Idukki, Ernakulam, Thrissur, Palakkad, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur, and Kasaragod.
Potential impacts
Advisories issued
The IMD-KSDMA Nowcast issued at 2:15 PM today warns of thunderstorms with heavy rain and gusty winds (40–60 kmph) in Thiruvananthapuram and Kollam for the next three hours.
Authorities urge the public to follow official advisories, avoid risky travel, and remain alert as Kerala faces another bout of severe monsoon weather.
(Edited by Ananya Rao with inputs from Sreelakshmi Soman)
