The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Saturday issued an orange alert for 12 districts in Kerala, warning of very heavy rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms on August 2. The weather conditions continued to trigger landslides and flooding in several parts of the state, disrupting traffic and daily life. In view of the worsening situation, authorities issued a series of safety advisories, while educational institutions and examination authorities postponed scheduled tests and announced relief measures for affected candidates.
Orange alert issued for 12 Kerala districts
The orange alert has been issued for Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Idukki, Ernakulam, Thrissur, Palakkad, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur and Kasaragod districts.
According to the IMD, an orange alert signifies the possibility of very heavy rainfall ranging between 115.6 mm and 204.4 mm within 24 hours at isolated places.
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KSDMA issues safety advisory amid heavy rain
As heavy rain continued to cause landslides and flooding, the Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA) urged residents in areas vulnerable to landslides, mudslides and flash floods to move to safer places if instructed by authorities.
People living along riverbanks and downstream of dams were advised to remain alert and relocate if directed by officials. The authority also asked residents in disaster-prone areas to ensure relief camps had been opened in their localities and to shift there during the daytime if necessary.
The KSDMA further advised those living in weak or unsafe houses to exercise caution due to the possibility of strong winds and move to safer locations if required.
Public urged to avoid water bodies and unnecessary travel
The disaster management authority cautioned people against entering rivers, streams and other water bodies for bathing, fishing or crossing during the heavy rainfall.
It also 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to avoid all non-essential travel, especially to hilly areas, waterfalls and reservoirs, until the weather warning is withdrawn.
Examinations postponed across Kerala
The General Education Department postponed the State Eligibility Test scheduled for August 2 due to the prevailing heavy rain. It said the revised examination date would be announced later and advised candidates to regularly check the official website for updates.
The department also postponed the Higher Secondary Equivalency Examination scheduled for August 2 because of heavy rain and the resulting disruptions across the state. Fresh dates will be announced later.
Meanwhile, Mahatma Gandhi University in Kottayam postponed all examinations scheduled for August 3 owing to the prevailing weather conditions. The university said revised dates would be notified later.
Kerala PSC offers relief to affected candidates
The Kerala Public Service Commission announced that candidates from flood and landslide-affected areas who could not appear for competitive examinations conducted on Saturday would be given another opportunity to take the examinations.
The announcements came as heavy rain continued to trigger landslides and flooding across several districts, affecting transportation and disrupting normal life throughout the state.
