The onset of the monsoon season in Kerala has brought heavy rainfall and alerted authorities as seven districts are placed on an ‘orange alert’ by the regional meteorological center in Thiruvananthapuram.
The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) forecast predicts isolated heavy rainfall in Kerala and Mahe over the next five days. This early monsoon arrival follows substantial rainfall in May, leading to a surplus in the region.
An ‘orange alert’ has been issued for Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Ernakulam, and Idukki districts, indicating an expectation of heavy rainfall ranging from 11 cm to 20 cm. Additionally, Thrissur, Palakkad, Malappuram, and Kozhikode districts are under a ‘yellow alert’ for rainfall ranging between 6 cm and 11 cm.
Recent heavy rainfall has already impacted several parts of Kerala. In Kottayam district, rain caused inundation, as shared in visuals by news agency ANI. Meanwhile, Thiruvananthapuram faced heavy waterlogging due to continuous rains on Wednesday, affecting traffic and daily life in the city.
In coastal Alappuzha district, heavy rainfall and strong winds led to widespread damage, with flooding in low-lying areas like Champakulam, Nedumudy, and Kainakari. Similar challenges were faced in Kayamkulam, Haripad, Cherthala, and Kandalloor regions due to waterlogging and gusty winds. Instances of structural damage, including collapsed roofs, were reported in Ambalapuzha and Thalavady.
The impact extended to livelihoods as well, with a poultry farm in Thiruvananthapuram reporting significant losses of over 5,000 chickens due to flooding. Cleanup efforts were initiated in flooded areas, with authorities relocating affected residents to relief camps.
As the monsoon progresses, officials and residents are bracing for more challenges. The Disaster Management Authority reported significant relocation efforts, with people from affected families accommodated in relief camps across the state.
The IMD’s ongoing monitoring and alerts remain crucial in managing the impact of the monsoon and ensuring the safety of communities in Kerala.
Sources By Agencies
