School Holiday Declared In 5 Kerala Districts Amid Heavy Rainfall

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a red alert for heavy rains in 11 Kerala districts, with an orange alert in three others as the southwest monsoon arrived unusually early this year.

The IMD has advised fishermen to avoid venturing into the sea on May 29 and 30.

Source : PTI

Kerala School Holiday: Five districts in Kerala have announced a school holiday amid a heavy rain alert in the state on Monday (May 26).

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a red alert for heavy rains in 11 districts, with an orange alert in three others as the southwest monsoon arrived unusually early this year.

Educational institutions in Thrissur, Idukki, Ernakulam, Wayanad, and Kasargod will remain shut on Monday due to the forecast of intense rainfall. The holiday covers all types of institutions, including Anganwadis, nurseries, Kendriya Vidyalayas, CBSE and ICSE-affiliated schools, professional colleges, tuition centres, and madrasas.

However, examinations and scheduled interviews will proceed as planned, officials clarified.

Since schools are yet to reopen officially for the new academic year in Kerala, only special or bridge classes were being held in most institutions.

Monsoon Arrives Early In Kerala

The IMD confirmed that the southwest monsoon made landfall over Kerala on May 24, its earliest arrival on the Indian mainland since 2009. The normal onset date is June 1, making this year’s arrival eight days early.

Meanwhile, Odisha’s Koraput district has recorded its highest rainfall in 24 years, according to IMD officials. IMD Bhubaneswar Director Manorama Mohanty stated on Saturday that widespread rainfall is expected to continue across the state for the next 4–5 days due to an approaching cyclonic circulation.

"Light to moderate rainfall is likely in many parts of Odisha. Pre-monsoon showers are active and will persist. An orange alert has been issued for several districts," she said.

The IMD has advised fishermen to avoid venturing into the sea on May 29 and 30, citing anticipated rough weather conditions along the Odisha coast.