Kerala Rains: Four Dead As Torrential Rains Lash Southern State, Red Alert For Pathanamthitta, Idukki

Kerala Rains: At least four deaths were reported across Kerala after torrential rains continued to lash the southern state for the last few days. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Thursday sounded a red alert, forecasting extremely heavy rainfall in Pathanamthitta and Idukki. An orange alert has been issued for Ernakulam, Thrissur, Palakkad, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Kottayam, Alappuzha, Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam and Wayanad districts. The weather department also forecast heavy rainfall and issued a yellow alert for Kannur and Kasargod districts.

A red alert indicates heavy to extremely heavy rain of over 20 cm in 24 hours, an orange alert means very heavy rain of 11 cm to 20 cm, and a yellow alert means heavy rainfall between 6 cm and 11 cm. Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA) has advised fishermen not to go out to sea until further notice.

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Monsoon Updates

The southwest monsoon, meanwhile, is likely to set in over Kerala on May 31 with a possible deviation of four days, the IMD said on Wednesday. It advances northwards, usually in surges, and covers the entire country around July 15. The southwest monsoon made its onset over the Nicobar Islands on May 19. It is gradually advancing from the Arabian Sea towards the Comorin region, the Maldives and parts of the Bay of Bengal.

IMD had already predicted very heavy rainfall in Kerala till May 24. According to the weather body, three cyclonic circulation systems in the region are influencing the increased rainfall activity in the state. Additionally, strong westerly winds at lower levels are likely to prevail over the Kerala region till May 24.

Thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and gusty winds are very likely to occur at one or two places in the state till May 24. Fishermen have been advised not to venture into the sea till May 24. Meanwhile, heavy rainfall conditions are prevailing in other southern states as well, including Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh.

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Kerala Rains: Measures Taken Up By State Govt

- As heavy rain continues to lash Kerala, emergency operation centres have been opened in all district collectorates and taluk offices over the possibilities of landslides and mudslides, the state government said on Monday.

- Hospitals in Kerala have also been alerted and essential supplies have been stocked up to handle any eventuality, such as an epidemic outbreak.

- State Revenue Minister K Rajan informed that specific directions have been issued for tourists regarding the rain situation. He also stressed the need for strict regulations in hilly areas in the wake of possible landslide threats.