Heavy rain continues to disrupt normal life in Kozhikode on Wednesday (May 28, 2025) amid heightened vigil by the District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) and village-level rescue squads. Arrangements were made to prepare additional relief camps in landslide-prone areas with the support of local administrators and Revenue department squads.

“The village officers in upland areas are closely monitoring the situation. In case of any emergency, affected families will be shifted to the relief camps. Areas where landslides occurred during previous monsoon seasons will be kept under continuous watch,” said a senior Revenue department officer from Vadakara. He added the village officers and local administrators had already reviewed preparedness and the arrangements to open relief camps if an emergency arises.

The DDMA has already audited the safety measures taken to protect people living in the vulnerable coastal areas of the district. Fishermen residing near zones previously affected by sea erosion have been asked to relocate to safer locations. Some families have voluntarily moved in response to the cautionary messages.

Revenue department squads have also circulated cautionary messages to prevent incidents of electrocution and drowning in the wake of the strengthening monsoon and flooding. Most water tourism destinations remain shut in the upland areas of Kozhikode as a precautionary measure. Entry will also be restricted at beach tourism destinations following the rough weather alert.

On Wednesday, the India Meteorological department (IMD) issued fresh lightning alert. It urged the public to use the ‘Damini’ lightning alert mobile application for instant updates. Instructions were also issued to discourage outdoor entertainment activities during lightning. Domestic animals should not be allowed to graze in open fields, the IMD communication said.

Within the last four days, several local bodies convened emergency meetings to discuss disaster management activities and priority areas. Local body members presented details of vulnerable locations during the meetings, and the requirements were sent to the DDMA for consideration.

Meanwhile, the Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party called for a dawn-to-dusk hartal in Vilangad, which experienced several destructive landslides during the last monsoon season. The protesters alleged that around 30 affected families were yet to receive their rightful compensation, citing laxity on the part of the State government.