Kerala Floods: Orange Alert in Five Districts as Water Recedes in Central Regions
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert for five central Kerala districts, even as floodwaters begin to recede in several affected areas. The alert covers Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Idukki and Ernakulam districts, and is valid from 7 am to 10 am on Thursday, August 6, 2026. According to the IMD, these districts are likely to experience moderate rainfall accompanied by surface wind speeds of up to 40 kmph during this period.
Officials from the district administrations report that floodwaters have started receding from low-lying areas in Pathanamthitta, Kottayam and Ernakulam. However, flooding persists in the Upper Kuttanad and Kuttanad regions of Alappuzha district, though water levels are gradually declining.
The Alappuzha district administration has confirmed that 118 relief camps are currently operational across Cherthala, Ambalapuzha, Kuttanad, Karthikappally, Mavelikara and Chengannur taluks. A total of 5,012 families, comprising 14,646 people, are staying in these camps.
Major road links, including the Alappuzha-Changanassery road and the Ambalapuzha-Thiruvalla road, remain inundated, disrupting the movement of people and essential supplies. In response to the situation, district administrations have declared holidays for educational institutions in flood-affected areas.
The IMD had earlier issued orange alerts for Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Idukki, Ernakulam, Kannur and Kasaragod districts for Thursday. For Friday, an orange alert has been issued for Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur and Kasaragod districts. An orange alert signifies the likelihood of rainfall ranging from 115 mm to 204 mm, which can lead to significant waterlogging and disruption of services.
The Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA)has advised the public not to enter rivers or other water bodies for bathing, fishing or any other purpose during the heavy rains. It has also urged people to avoid non-essential travel during periods of intense rainfall and to refrain from visiting waterfalls, reservoirs and hilly tourist destinations until the weather warnings are withdrawn.
Motorists have been cautioned to exercise care while travelling along roads near water bodies and on stretches undergoing repair work, as the risk of accidents is higher during heavy rain. The KSDMA also cautioned people against gathering on bridges over rivers and other water bodies for sightseeing or taking selfies, and urged them to avoid night travel to hilly regions. Additionally, the authority warned of accidents caused by uprooted trees and damaged electricity poles due to strong winds.
Kerala, which has a history of severe monsoon floods, particularly in the Kuttanad region, remains vulnerable to extreme weather events. The state's network of rivers and backwaters, combined with heavy rainfall, often leads to flooding in low-lying areas. The administration continues to monitor the situation closely, with disaster response teams on standby. Residents in affected areas are advised to follow official instructions and stay updated through local authorities and weather bulletins.
