Orange, yellow warnings for rain, floods, and coastal surge in Kerala

Meanwhile the IMD has issued an orange alert in Idukki also warning of very heavy rainfall ranging from 115.6 mm to 204.4 mm within 24 hours.

South First Desk

Published Jun 28, 2025 | 2:24 PM ⚊ Updated Jun 28, 2025 | 2:24 PM

Kerala rains. (iStock)

Synopsis: The IMD has issued heavy to moderate rain alerts across Kerala, with orange alerts in Ernakulam and Idukki, and yellow alerts in several other districts. A kallakadal warning is in effect for Thiruvananthapuram’s coast. Peachy Dam’s shutter opening is delayed. Flood alerts have been issued for multiple rivers, and residents near riverbanks are urged to remain vigilant and follow safety instructions.

The Indian Meteorological Department on Saturday, 28 June, issued heavy to moderate rainfalls in many parts of Kerala.

The department has forecasted moderate rainfall (5–15 mm/hour) with surface wind gusts reaching up to 50 km/h in parts of Ernakulam district. Further an orange alert was issued for the afternoon of Saturday.

Meanwhile the IMD has issued an orange alert in Idukki also warning of very heavy rainfall ranging from 115.6 mm to 204.4 mm within 24 hours. All water-based recreational activities and trekking in landslide-prone areas have been temporarily banned. Authorities have requested the public to remain vigilant and follow official safety instructions.

Yellow alert has been issued in Thiruvananthapuram, Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Idukki, Thrissur, and Malappuram, with moderate rainfall with wind gusts up to 40 km/h.

Meanwhile light rain is expected at one or two places in the remaining districts of Kerala.

Also Read: Mullaperiyar dam shutters may open; Idukki on high alert, 3,220 people to be shifted

Kallakadal warning

For Thiruvananthapuram, the National Oceanographic Research Centre has warned of a possible kallakadal (swelling surge) phenomenon. It is expected between Kappil and Pozhiyur from 11:30 AM to 11:30 PM on Saturday, with wave heights reaching 2.0 to 2.1 meters.

A similar surge is likely along the Kanyakumari coast, from Neerodi to Arokyapuram, on Sunday, 29 June, until 8:30 AM, with wave heights between 1.9 and 2.1 meters.

Fishermen and coastal residents are advised to remain especially vigilant.

On the other hand, the shutters of the Peachy Dam, originally scheduled to open at 11:00 AM on Saturday, have been postponed to 2:00 PM, according to the Assistant Executive Engineer.

Flood warning

Following a dangerous rise in water levels, the State Irrigation Department (IDRB) and the Central Water Commission (CWC) have issued Orange and Yellow Alerts for several rivers.

Residents living along the following riverbanks in respective districts have been advised to remain extremely cautious.

Orange Alert

Pathanamthitta

Manimala River (Thondara Station, Vallamkulam)

Yellow Alert

Pathanamthitta

Achankovil River (Kalleli Station, Konni GD Station)
Manimala River (Kallooppara Station – CWC)

Ernakulam

Muvattupuzha River (Muvattupuzha Station, Thodupuzha Station)

Thrissur

Karuvannur River (Kurumali and Karuvannur Stations)

Wayanad

Kabani River (Kelothkadavu Station, Motakkara Station – CWC)

Safety instructions

Do not enter or attempt to cross any of these rivers under any circumstances.
People living near riverbanks should remain on high alert.
Be prepared to evacuate flood-prone areas if directed by the authorities.

(Edited by Sumavarsha, with inputs from Dileep V Kumar)