Kozhikode district is currently on high alert as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert forecasting extremely heavy rainfall for Saturday and Sunday. In response to this imminent threat, District Collector MS Madhavikutty, who also serves as the Chairperson of the District Disaster Management Authority, has ordered the immediate evacuation of residents from vulnerable areas across the district. The evacuation order specifically targets villages in Vadakara taluk that are highly prone to landslides and mudslides, including Vilangad, Valook, Malayangad, Urutty, and Panniyeri. This proactive measure was issued on Friday evening following alarming reports that warn of a high risk of natural calamities due to the continuing heavy rain.
The evacuation directive is particularly focused on the Vilangad hill region, one of the most dangerous areas in Kozhikode. Officials have instructed residents living in landslide-prone zones to relocate immediately, especially those residing along riverbanks, on steep slopes, and near locations that have witnessed landslides in the past. The Vilangad region carries a somber history, having been hit by a major landslide in August 2024 that claimed several lives and caused extensive damage to homes and infrastructure. This previous tragedy underscores the critical importance of the current evacuation order and explains why authorities are taking such decisive action to prevent another catastrophic event.
To ensure the evacuation process is coordinated efficiently, the Vadakara Revenue Divisional Officer (RDO) has been appointed as the Nodal Officer. The Vadakara Tahsildar will serve as the Assistant Nodal Officer, working alongside officials from the Vanimel and Naripatta grama panchayats. These local officials have been instructed to identify safe schools and other public buildings to establish relief camps without delay. The order explicitly states that all camps must be equipped with adequate drinking water, food supplies, electricity, sanitation facilities, and medical assistance to ensure the comfort and safety of evacuated residents.
The district administration has also mobilized significant security and medical support for this emergency operation. The District Police Chief of Kozhikode Rural has been directed to deploy sufficient personnel to assist with evacuation efforts and to ensure security at both the relief camps and the evacuated homes. This security measure is crucial to prevent any theft or unauthorized entry into vacant properties. Meanwhile, medical teams from nearby primary health centres have been instructed to visit the camps regularly, conduct health check-ups for all residents, and ensure the availability of essential emergency medicines. This comprehensive healthcare approach aims to prevent any health-related complications during the evacuation period.
As a precautionary measure to protect travelers and prevent accidents, travel through the hilly roads of the Vilangad region has been completely prohibited between 7 pm and 6 am, except for emergency purposes. This night-time ban on vehicular movement is designed to minimize the risk of accidents on slippery, dangerous roads during the most intense periods of rainfall. The administration has also urged residents in high-risk areas to cooperate fully with authorities, avoid spreading misinformation on social media, and follow only official warnings and advisories released by the district administration. The order warns that violations of evacuation directives will invite legal action under Sections 51 to 60 of the Disaster Management Act, 2005, emphasizing the seriousness of the situation.
The red alert for Kozhikode indicates this extreme rainfall pattern will continue until June 18, with monsoon activity intensifying across northern Kerala districts including Malappuram, Wayanad, Kannur, and Kasaragod. Residents are urged to cooperate fully with authorities, avoid spreading misinformation on social media, and follow only official warnings, as violations of evacuation directives will invite legal action under Sections 51 to 60 of the Disaster Management Act, 2005, emphasizing the seriousness of protecting lives from this potentially catastrophic weather event.