Persistent heavy rainfall has prompted the closure of schools across several districts of Kerala on Monday. The districts affected include Kasaragod, Kannur, Wayanad, Kozhikode, Malappuram, Thrissur, Ernakulam, Kottayam, Idukki, and Pathanamthitta. The decision follows the issuance of red alerts by the meteorological department in these areas. 

The holiday applies to all educational centres including Anganwadis, nurseries, Kendriya Vidyalayas, CBSE and ICSE schools, professional colleges, tuition centres, and madrasas. Previously scheduled exams and interviews will continue as planned. 

According to the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), the monsoon has arrived in Kerala eight days earlier than usual. This marks the first early arrival after a 16-year gap, underscoring the intensity of the current weather conditions, according to media sources.

Also read: Karnataka: Sick Children Should Stay Home Amid COVID Spike