Rain likely to intensify across Kerala; IMD sounds red alert in seven districts
Thiruvananthapuram, Aug 7
Heavy rain continued to batter Kerala on Friday morning, with the India Meteorological Department stepping up its weather warning by issuing a red alert for seven districts and cautioning against strong winds and rough sea conditions.
In its latest update issued on Friday, the IMD placed Kottayam, Alappuzha, Ernakulam, Thrissur, Palakkad, Kannur and Kasaragod under a three-hour red alert, warning of isolated spells of heavy to very heavy rainfall accompanied by gusty winds with speeds of up to 50 kmph.
An orange alert has been issued for Pathanamthitta, Idukki, Malappuram, Kozhikode and Wayanad, where moderate to heavy rain and strong winds of up to 50 kmph are expected at isolated places over the next three hours.
In the remaining districts, the weather department has forecast light to moderate rain with winds reaching 40 kmph.
The latest warning comes even as the IMD had earlier forecast widespread rainfall across the state on Friday.
Orange Alerts remain in force for Pathanamthitta, Kottayam, Idukki, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur and Kasaragod, while all other districts continue under yellow alert.
The weather department said the prevailing wet spell is likely to continue through Saturday, with a gradual improvement in weather conditions expected from Sunday.
The IMD has also issued a caution over the Kallakkadal (swell wave) phenomenon, warning of high waves along the Kerala coast during the day.
Fishermen have been advised not to venture into the sea in vulnerable stretches, while coastal residents have been urged to remain alert and follow instructions issued by local authorities.
With the southwest monsoon remaining active over the state and several districts witnessing continuous rainfall over the past few days, authorities are closely monitoring the situation.
Disaster management agencies and district administrations have been asked to remain on alert as heavy showers, strong winds and localised flooding are expected to persist throughout the day.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Classic Kerala monsoon pattern, but every year the intensity seems to get worse. We really need better infrastructure and drainage systems in our cities. Ernakulam and Thrissur get flooded every single time. The authorities should be proactive instead of reactive.
Sending thoughts and prayers to everyone in Kerala from the US. It's heartbreaking to see the annual devastation from floods. I hope the government has proper disaster management plans in place and that relief reaches those in need quickly. Stay strong, Kerala! 💙
The IMD has been doing a great job with early warnings, I must say. But people need to take these alerts seriously and not go sightseeing or selfie-taking near beaches and rivers during such weather. Also good to see that the state government is already on alert. Hope the rain gods show some mercy this time 🌧️
As someone who grew up in Kerala, this news hits home. The 2018 floods taught us a hard lesson, and I really hope the authorities have learned from it. Every district administration should have emergency response teams ready. Those in hilly areas like Idukki need to be especially careful about landslides. Stay safe, everyone.
This is really concerning. Is there anything international organizations or NGOs can do to help? The media should keep reporting on this so the world knows. Praying for everyone affected—hope the rain subsides soon and no lives are lost. Kerala has been through so much these past few years.
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