Kerala's ecologically sensitive Wayanad district is on high alert as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicted heavy rainfall for Monday, December 2nd. The district administration is closely monitoring the situation, with officials stationed across vulnerable areas.
Wayanad Collector Meghashree assured the public that all necessary precautions are in place. "The district administration has been very active," she stated, highlighting a series of meetings held with disaster management authorities and field staff to prepare for potential heavy rainfall. The district emergency operations centre is actively monitoring the situation on the ground, particularly focusing on water levels of rivers and reservoirs.
"We are closely monitoring the vulnerable locations... We have issued a warning to the people living in these areas and urged them to move to safer locations," Meghashree added. Wayanad has a history of landslides, with three villages tragically devastated by a major landslide incident in July 2024 that claimed 231 lives and left 47 missing.
Adding to the concern, Kerala Revenue Minister K Rajan revealed that the heavy rain alert situation across the state is being closely monitored under the leadership of the State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA). While communication channels with district officials are constantly active, Chief Minister's meetings with collectors have been postponed to allow them full focus on disaster management efforts in their respective regions.
"Even though rainfall has reduced in some areas, strong security measures remain in place," Rajan affirmed. He further mentioned that four National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams are deployed, with two stationed at Sabarimala, a significant pilgrimage site. Two relief camps are also operational to provide assistance if needed.
Rajan explained that the rainfall pattern is currently heavier in northern Kerala while southern regions experience reduced rainfall. However, he warned of an intensification of rainfall in northern Malabar. Specific instructions have been given to pilgrims traveling to Sabarimala, and increased patrolling is underway at Pamba bathing ghats, a key area for pilgrims.
The IMD has issued a red alert for four districts in Kerala - Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, and Kannur - warning of extremely heavy rainfall and isolated heavy rains on December 2nd. The Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA) has also cautioned about potential waterlogging and traffic congestion.
In anticipation of the alert, all educational institutions in Wayanad, including tuition centres, anganwadis, and professional colleges, will remain closed on Monday.
