The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Tuesday issued a red alert for four districts in North Kerala as heavy rains continued to lash the region, triggering widespread waterlogging, disrupting transport, and raising the threat of landslides and flash floods.
The red alert—indicating the likelihood of extremely heavy rainfall exceeding 204.4mm in 24 hours—has been sounded for Kasaragod, Kannur, Wayanad, and Kozhikode, the IMD said in its latest advisory. An orange alert, indicating very heavy rainfall between 115.6mm and 204.4mm, has been issued for Palakkad, Malappuram, and Thrissur, while a yellow alert is in place for Idukki, Ernakulam, Kottayam, Alappuzha, and Pathanamthitta.
Officials from the Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA) confirmed that the rain has already caused extensive waterlogging in urban pockets, severely affecting daily life and local transportation systems. “As the rain continues, the chances of landslides and mudslides may increase, especially in hilly regions,” KSDMA officials warned.
The disaster management body has advised extreme caution across affected districts. Authorities have urged residents in landslide-prone hilly regions and flood-prone low-lying areas to relocate to safer locations at the earliest, preferably during daylight hours. “A large volume of rain is likely to fall within a short period, which may lead to flash floods and landslides,” the KSDMA cautioned.
The state government has deployed response systems in the affected areas and ordered local authorities and emergency services to be on alert. Relief camps are being prepared in flood-prone or evacuation districts. Citizens have been advised to keep track of real-time reports from the IMD and KSDMA, and minimize travel to affected regions unless unavoidable.
With the southwest monsoon gaining momentum, Kerala can expect even more rain in the coming days. The IMD has warned fishermen and coastal communities to be on their guard, as rough seas are likely to continue on the Kerala-Karnataka coast.
Though monsoon rains are vital for Kerala’s agrarian economy, high-impact weather events have continued to evoke worries related to climate resilience as well as disaster preparedness in the state. The government has once again reasserted that both institutional and public vigilance will be central to avoiding damage in the coming days.
(With inputs from PTI)