The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a red alert for extremely heavy rainfall along with thunderstorm, lightning, squall and strong surface winds for Kasaragod, Kannur, Kozhikode and Wayanad on Tuesday evening (20 May).

The red alert signified the likelihood of over 204.4 mm of rainfall within 24 hours. Warning for heavy rainfall is also issued in other districts;

• An orange alert for very heavy rainfall along with thunderstorm, lightning, squall and strong surface winds is issued for Malappuram, Palakkad and Thrissur.
• A yellow alert for thunderstorm, lightning, squall and strong surface winds is issued for the remaining districts. Additionally, a warning for heavy rainfall is also in place for Ernakulam, Idukki, Alappuzha, Kottayam and Pathanamthitta.
• Sirens were activated under Kerala’s shield system, designed to improve disaster preparedness. Following the alert, all major tourist destinations in Wayanad were closed as a precautionary measure.
• Residents in the affected areas have been advised to remain indoors, avoid waterlogged or landslide-prone zones and strictly follow safety directives issued by district authorities. Emergency services were also placed on high alert, with disaster response teams ready for deployment.
• The forecast for Wednesday (21 May) places Kasaragod and Kannur under an orange alert for very heavy rainfall with thunderstorm, lightning and squall. Remaining districts are under a yellow alert and further details can be accessed via https://mausam.imd.gov.in/imd_latest/contents/districtwise-warning_mc.php?id=4&day=Day_2
• Additionally due to the rising water level, the shutters of the Kannur Pazhassi Dam will be opened from 1000 hours on Wednesday (21 May). The executive engineer of the Pazhassi Irrigation Department informed that residents and the public living on both banks of the Valapattanam river should be vigilant.