Kerala is currently grappling with intense monsoon fury as heavy to very heavy rainfall batters several parts of the state, prompting the India Meteorological Department (IMD) to issue orange alerts for six vulnerable districts.
Districts Under Orange Alert
The weather department has sounded orange alerts for Thursday in Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, and Idukki districts, indicating the likelihood of extremely heavy rainfall ranging from 6 cm to 20 cm within 24 hours.
Widespread Rainfall Pattern
According to IMD forecasts, isolated heavy to very heavy rainfall is expected to continue lashing these regions, with Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, and Pathanamthitta likely to experience the most severe weather conditions. The rainfall intensity is predicted to be particularly strong in these southern and central Kerala districts.
Yellow Alert Expansion
Beyond the six orange-alert districts, the meteorological department has extended yellow alerts to several other regions including Ernakulam, Thrissur, Palakkad, Malappuram, Kozhikode, and Wayanad for the same period, signaling heavy rainfall between 6 cm to 11 cm.
Weather System Behind the Deluge
The intense rainfall activity is attributed to multiple weather systems affecting the region. A cyclonic circulation persists over south Tamil Nadu and its neighboring areas in the lower tropospheric levels, while another trough runs from south Tamil Nadu to south Gujarat at lower levels, creating ideal conditions for sustained heavy precipitation.
Precautionary Measures Advised
Local authorities have urged residents in low-lying areas to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions. The continuous downpour has already begun disrupting normal life across affected districts, with concerns rising about potential flooding and landslide situations in vulnerable hilly terrains.
Emergency response teams have been put on high alert as the state braces for more challenging weather conditions in the coming days, with the monsoon showing no signs of relenting its grip on the coastal state.
