IMD issues orange alert for 12 Kerala districts amid heavy rain forecast

A flooded house at Mallappally in Pathanamthitta on Saturday, August 1, 2026. | Photo Credit: LEJU KAMAL

The IMD on Saturday issued an ‘orange alert’ for 12 districts in Kerala, warning of very heavy rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms on August 2, officials said.

The alert has been issued for Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Idukki, Ernakulam, Thrissur, Palakkad, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur and Kasaragod districts.

An ‘orange alert’ indicates the likelihood of very heavy rainfall ranging from 115.6 mm to 204.4 mm in 24 hours at isolated places.

Heavy rain continued to trigger landslides and flooding across Kerala.

KSDMA advises vulnerable residents to move to safer places

The Kerala State Disaster Management Authority urged people living in areas prone to landslides, mudslides and flash floods to shift to safer locations if advised by the authorities.

Residents living along riverbanks and downstream of dams were advised to remain vigilant and relocate if directed by officials.

The KSDMA advised people in disaster-prone areas to ensure that relief camps had been opened in their localities and to move to them during the daytime if necessary.

It urged people living in weak or unsafe houses to remain cautious in view of the possibility of strong winds and shift to safer places if required.

Public urged to avoid risky travel and water bodies

The authority cautioned people against entering rivers, streams and other water bodies for bathing, fishing or crossing during the heavy rain.

It advised the public not to gather on bridges or attempt to take photographs or selfies near overflowing water bodies.

People have been urged to avoid all non-essential travel, particularly to hilly areas, waterfalls and reservoirs, until the weather warning is withdrawn.

Published on August 1, 2026