Kerala Braces for Heavy Rain as IMD Issues Red Alert in Three Districts
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for Pathanamthitta, Idukki, and Kottayam districts in Kerala, warning of extremely heavy rainfall over the next 48 hours. The alert comes as the state continues to recover from recent flash floods, with authorities urging residents in vulnerable areas to remain vigilant.
According to the IMD, the intensified rainfall is attributed to the combined influence of two upper air cyclonic circulations—one persisting over south interior Karnataka and adjoining areas, and another over the southeast Bay of Bengal. These systems are expected to bring widespread rain to the southern and central parts of the state, with isolated extremely heavy showers in the three red-alert districts.
In addition to the red alert, orange alerts have been issued for Kollam, Alappuzha, Ernakulam, Kannur, and Kasaragod districts, where very heavy rainfall is likely. A yellow alert has been sounded for the remaining six districts, indicating isolated heavy rains.
The IMD's colour-coded alert system is designed to inform the public and local authorities about the severity of expected weather. A red alert signifies the highest level of warning, indicating the need for immediate action to protect life and property. Orange alerts are issued when there is a risk of disruption to normal life, while yellow alerts suggest caution for those in sensitive areas.
Prior to Thursday, rain intensity had remained subdued for two days, providing some relief to rescue and relief operations in flood-hit areas. However, the fresh spell of heavy rain has raised concerns about further damage to infrastructure and the displacement of families already affected by the recent flooding.
The Kerala State Disaster Management Authority has been coordinating with district administrations to monitor the situation. Evacuation orders, where necessary, are being issued based on real-time data from the IMD and local water level readings. Residents in landslide-prone and low-lying areas have been advised to move to safer locations.
Meanwhile, the IMD has also forecast swell waves measuring 1.2 to 1.4 metres along parts of the Kerala coast, including Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, and Alappuzha, until Thursday night. Fishermen have been advised to exercise caution while operating boats due to the possibility of sudden surges. Coastal communities are urged to stay away from the shoreline during this period.
Authorities have emphasised that preventive measures, including the pre-positioning of relief materials and rapid response teams, are in place. Meteorological officials have indicated that the intensity of rain is likely to decrease after the next two days, but continued vigilance is essential as the state remains in a vulnerable position.
This latest weather system adds to the challenges faced by Kerala, which has experienced multiple bouts of severe rainfall in recent years, leading to significant loss of life and property. Climate experts have pointed to changing weather patterns and increased frequency of extreme rainfall events as factors that require long-term adaptation strategies.
The IMD will continue to issue updates as the situation evolves. Residents are advised to follow official announcements and avoid spreading unverified information on social media.
