Cyclone Fengal: IMD issues heavy rain alert for tomorrow, schools closed in several districts

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a warning on Monday regarding significant rainfall in Kerala due to cyclone Fengal. The cyclone, currently a strong low-pressure area over northern Tamil Nadu, is expected to intensify as it moves towards the Arabian Sea, passing over northern Kerala and Karnataka by December 3.

Forecast for Rainfall in Kerala

The IMD forecasts light to moderate rain across most of Kerala on Monday, with some areas likely to experience very heavy rainfall and thunderstorms. On Tuesday, heavy to very heavy rainfall is expected in the northern and central parts of the state, along with intermittent light to moderate rain and occasional thunderstorms over the next five days.

Weather Alerts Issued for Several Districts

Red alerts have been issued for five northern districts—Kasaragod, Kannur, Wayanad, Kozhikode, and Malappuram—on Monday due to the expected heavy rain. Palakkad, Thrissur, Idukki, and Ernakulam districts are under an orange alert, while Kottayam, Alappuzha, and Pathanamthitta have been placed on a yellow alert.

Government Advisory

Kerala’s Revenue Minister K Rajan urged residents to stay vigilant as rainfall is expected to intensify in northern Kerala.

According to the IMD, a red alert indicates extremely heavy rainfall, exceeding 20 cm in 24 hours. An orange alert signals very heavy rain between 11 cm and 20 cm, while a yellow alert warns of heavy rain ranging from 6 cm to 11 cm.

School Holidays Declared in Affected Areas

In response to the weather conditions, the district administration in Kasaragod has declared a holiday for all educational institutions, including professional colleges, tuition centers, anganwadis, and madrasas, on Tuesday. However, model residential schools will remain open. Similar holidays were declared on Monday in Pathanamthitta, Idukki, Kottayam, and Wayanad districts.

Residents are advised to stay updated on weather conditions and follow local authorities' guidance.