Heavy Rains: Kerala Declares Holiday for Educational Institutions in Three Districts

In response to the ongoing heavy rainfall and flood-related disruptions, district authorities in Pathanamthitta, Kottayam, and Alappuzha have declared a holiday for all educational institutions, including professional colleges, on Tuesday. The decision was announced by the respective District Collectors, who cited the safety of students and staff as the primary concern.

However, pre-scheduled examinations for public boards, universities, and other academic bodies will proceed as planned. Authorities have urged students appearing for these exams to exercise caution while travelling and to follow safety guidelines issued by local disaster management teams.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has continued to issue warnings of heavy to very heavy rainfall in several parts of Kerala, with isolated extremely heavy falls possible in the coming days. The state has been grappling with intense monsoon showers, leading to waterlogging, rising river levels, and multiple landslips in vulnerable areas.

Over the past week, several regions in central and southern Kerala have witnessed disruptions in road and rail traffic due to flooding. The holiday is expected to affect hundreds of schools and colleges, impacting thousands of students. Local authorities have also set up relief camps in low-lying areas, and rescue teams remain on standby.

This is not the first such measure this monsoon season. In previous years, the state has periodically declared holidays and adjusted academic calendars in response to extreme weather events. Educational institutions have been advised to ensure the safety of campus infrastructure and maintain communication with parents and guardians.

The decision to continue examinations even during the holiday has drawn mixed reactions. While some parents and students appreciate the need to avoid postponements, others have expressed concerns about commuting in adverse weather. Officials have stated that the decision was taken after reviewing the weather forecast and the feasibility of conducting exams safely.

District administrations have also reminded the public to stay updated through official channels, avoid unnecessary travel, and report any emergency to control rooms. The meteorological department expects conditions to improve gradually later in the week, but further updates will be issued based on real-time data.

This move underscores the state's preparedness in dealing with monsoon-related challenges, balancing educational commitments with public safety. As the situation evolves, further announcements regarding academic schedules may be made by the respective district collectors.