In response to a red alert for heavy rainfall, educational institutions in Kottayam, Kannur, and Kasaragod will remain closed on Friday as a precautionary measure. This includes all types of educational establishments such as professional colleges, central schools, tuition centers, special classes, and anganwadis. District collectors have confirmed that previously scheduled examinations will proceed as planned. However, Mahatma Gandhi University has announced the postponement of all exams originally set for May 30.

Kerala is experiencing torrential rains following the onset of the monsoon, leading to significant damage across the state. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a red alert for eight districts on Thursday. The heavy rains and strong winds have uprooted numerous trees and caused flooding in low-lying areas and near rivers. Residents in hilly regions like Wayanad have been relocated to relief camps.

The Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA) reported that water levels in various rivers, including Manimala, Achankovil, Meenachil, Korapuzha, and Kabani, are rising due to the heavy rainfall. KSDMA has advised those living near riverbanks to remain vigilant. The Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS) has also warned fishermen and coastal residents to exercise caution, as waves of 1.2 to 3.7 meters are expected along Kerala's coasts until Friday night.

INCOIS has issued a red alert for coastal regions in Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Alappuzha, Ernakulam, and Thrissur, while an orange alert has been issued for Malappuram, Kozhikode, Kasaragod, and Kannur districts. The advisory indicates potential turbulence at sea, urging people to avoid fishing and tourism activities. Earlier, the IMD had declared a red alert for Pathanamthitta, Kottayam, Ernakulam, Idukki, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur, and Kasaragod districts, with an orange alert for the remaining six districts.

Additionally, a red alert has been issued for Idukki, Kannur, and Kasaragod districts for Friday, while an orange alert applies to the other 11 districts. A red alert signifies the possibility of over 20 centimeters of heavy rainfall within 24 hours, while an orange alert indicates rainfall between 11 to 20 centimeters. A yellow alert suggests rainfall between 6 to 11 centimeters. The IMD has indicated that the strong low-pressure system over the Bay of Bengal could lead to heavy rains in some areas for the next few days. The weather department also forecasts moderate rainfall and winds reaching speeds of 40 to 60 kilometers per hour in certain parts of the state. The monsoon arrived in Kerala eight days earlier than expected on May 24.