The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for Kozhikode, Kannur, and Kasaragod on Tuesday, forecasting extremely heavy rainfall exceeding 204.4 mm within 24 hours as Kerala braces for a multi-day weather onslaught. Authorities across the state are on heightened alert, with reports of property and structural damage already emerging from multiple districts.

District-wise Alert Status

The IMD has placed the three northernmost districts — Kozhikode, Kannur, and Kasaragod — under a red alert on Tuesday, the highest warning tier, indicating the likelihood of extremely heavy rainfall. An orange alert, signalling isolated very heavy rainfall between 115.6 mm and 204.4 mm in 24 hours, has been issued for Kozhikode, Kannur, and Kasaragod on 8 June, and for Malappuram and Wayanad on 9 June.

A yellow alert covers a wide swathe of the state over five days. On 8 June, eleven districts — Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Idukki, Ernakulam, Thrissur, Palakkad, Malappuram, and Wayanad — are under yellow alert. On 9 June, the alert continues for Pathanamthitta, Kottayam, Idukki, Ernakulam, Thrissur, and Palakkad. The northern districts of Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur, and Kasaragod remain under alert on 10 and 11 June, while on 12 June, isolated heavy rainfall is expected across Ernakulam, Thrissur, Palakkad, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur, and Kasaragod.

Hazards and Risks on the Ground

The IMD has warned that prevailing conditions could produce thunderstorms accompanied by sudden, intense bursts of rainfall over short durations. Hilly and elevated regions face the heightened risk of flash floods, landslides, and mudslides, while urban centres and low-lying areas may experience waterlogging if heavy showers persist. Reports from across the state on Monday indicated damage to buildings, homes, and properties as weather conditions deteriorated.

Notably, Kerala's northern hill districts — particularly Wayanad and Kozhikode — have historically been among the most vulnerable to landslide-triggered casualties during the monsoon season, a pattern that has repeated in several recent years.

Official Advisories and Precautions

Authorities have urged the public and government agencies to maintain constant vigilance and take necessary precautions in vulnerable areas. Rapid changes in weather conditions have been flagged as a particular concern, with officials advising residents in hilly and flood-prone zones to stay alert and avoid unnecessary travel. The state's disaster management machinery is reported to be on standby as the weather system intensifies.

What to Watch Over the Coming Days

The five-day alert window stretching to 12 June means that relief agencies and district administrations will need to sustain preparedness across a large portion of the state. The trajectory of the weather system and any escalation in alert levels — particularly for central and southern districts currently under yellow alert — will be closely monitored. Any upgrade to orange or red status for additional districts could significantly expand the zone of risk.