Taking stock of the relentless heavy rain and strong winds, Thrissur Collector Arjun Pandian has declared a holiday for schools across the district. Many schools have been converted into relief camps to shelter affected residents.
Despite the closures, exams and interviews will proceed as scheduled.
Other districts, including Idukki and Ernakulam, have also suspended classes in schools serving as relief camps, according to district authorities.
Residential schools in Thrissur are similarly restricted from conducting classes, reported Onmanorama.
The India Meteorological Department forecasts continued heavy rain in Kerala until August 5, exacerbating the already dire situation.
In Wayanad, rescue operations persist under severe conditions following devastating landslides that struck three days ago.
While unconfirmed reports suggest 290 fatalities, Kerala Revenue Minister K Rajan has verified at least 190 deaths, with numbers likely to increase as many remain missing.
Rescue efforts face significant obstacles due to the challenging terrain, destroyed infrastructure, and limited access to heavy machinery. These factors hinder the clearing of debris, such as mud and uprooted trees, complicating the search for survivors.
In a positive development, the Indian Army has rapidly completed the construction of the Cl 24 Bailey Bridge, facilitating crucial connectivity between Chooralmala and Mundakkai over the Iruvanipzha River.
The Wayanad district administration reported that the deceased include 27 children and 76 women. Over 225 individuals have sustained injuries, predominantly in the hardest-hit areas of Mundakkai and Chooralmala.
Rahul Gandhi, Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha, and Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra visited the landslide site in Chooralmala on Thursday.
Gandhi described the disaster as a "terrible tragedy" for Wayanad, emphasizing the urgent need for continued relief efforts.
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