Wayanad Landslides: Kerala Education Institutions Shut Amid Heavy Rains and Landslides

In response to severe weather predictions, all educational institutions, including schools, colleges, and tuition centres, will remain closed on Friday, August 2, across the districts of Thrissur, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur, and Kasargod. The decision comes as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) of Kerala has issued an ‘orange’ alert for Wayanad until Saturday, which has already been devastated by massive landslides, reportedly claiming over 290 lives.

The Palakkad district collector announced a holiday for schools, anganwadis, tuition centres, and madrassas on Friday, as reported by Onmanorama. However, colleges and residential schools like Navodaya will continue to operate in Palakkad.

Key Updates on Kerala Rain and Wayanad Landslides

Thrissur collector Arjun Pandian declared a holiday for the district, citing the disruption caused by heavy rain, strong winds, and waterlogging. He noted that many schools in the district are currently functioning as relief camps. Despite the closure, examinations and interviews will proceed as scheduled in all affected districts. Additionally, residential schools in Thrissur are also restricted from holding classes.

In Idukki and Ernakulam districts, schools that have been set up as relief camps will remain closed on Friday, according to district authorities. The IMD has forecasted that heavy rain will continue in Kerala until August 5.

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In Wayanad, rescuers are working under extreme conditions to search for survivors trapped in collapsed buildings, three days after massive landslides struck the hill district. Although some unconfirmed reports suggest 290 deaths, Kerala revenue minister K Rajan has confirmed that the landslides have killed at least 190 people. Officials informed news agency PTI that the death toll is expected to rise as several people are still missing.

According to the Wayanad district administration, the deceased include 27 children and 76 women. More than 225 individuals have been injured, primarily in the worst-hit areas of Mundakkai and Chooralmala. Rescue operations have faced numerous obstacles, including destroyed roads and bridges, as well as a shortage of heavy equipment, making it challenging for emergency personnel to clear mud and uprooted trees that have fallen on houses and other buildings.

Meanwhile, the Indian Army has swiftly completed the construction of a Class 24 Bailey Bridge. This bridge, which connects Chooralmala with Mundakkai over the Iruvanipzha River, is now open to traffic and has been handed over to the Civil Administration.

On Thursday, Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha and Congress MP Rahul Gandhi, along with Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, visited the landslide site at Chooralmala, Wayanad. Addressing the media, Rahul Gandhi described the situation as a terrible tragedy for Wayanad and emphasized that a significant amount of work needs to be done to address the crisis.

Also Read: Uttarakhand: Heavy Rains in Kedarnath Claim 10 Lives, Rescue Operations Ongoing