Monsoon Intensifies In Kerala, Heavy Rains Lash Various Parts Of State
Roads inundated, low-lying areas submerged, trees uprooted, throwing normal life out of gear: Reports
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Life came to a standstill in several parts of Kerala after heavy rains since Friday night, with the monsoon gaining strength across the state on Saturday.
The downpour flooded roads, disrupted traffic, submerged low-lying areas, uprooted trees, and damaged homes and fragile structures in multiple districts.
In Manallor, Thrissur, a 29-year-old man lost his life when a tree collapsed onto the tin shed where he was sleeping. With the southwest monsoon remaining active, heavy rains are expected to persist in the coming days.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for five districts—Kasargod, Kannur, Kozhikode, Wayanad, and Malappuram on Saturday, which could receive over 20 cm of rain in 24 hours. District Collectors in Kasargod, Kannur, Kozhikode, and Wayanad declared Saturday a holiday for all educational institutions.
Red alert in three districts on Sunday
On June 7, the IMD issued a red alert for Wayanad, Kozhikode, and Malappuram, an orange alert for Kasargod, Kannur, Palakkad, and Thrissur, and a yellow alert for Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Alappuzha, Pathanamthitta, Kottayam, Ernakulam, and Idukki.
They warned of squally weather along and off the Kerala coast with wind speeds of 40-50 kmph, gusting up to 60 kmph, advising fishermen to avoid venturing into the sea during this period. The heavy rainfall could cause waterlogging, flash floods, uprooted trees, traffic disruptions, damage to vulnerable buildings, as well as landslides and mudslides in hilly areas and flooding in low-lying regions.
Authorities have advised residents in disaster-affected areas to stay alert, avoid unnecessary trips to waterlogged zones, and follow all guidelines issued by the local administration.
