Dark clouds loom over Kerala—both literally and figuratively—as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has declared a red alert in eight districts amid incessant rainfall and mounting fears of flash floods and landslides. The affected districts include Idukki, Pathanamthitta, Kottayam, Ernakulam, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur, and Kasaragod.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!The IMD has warned that these districts may receive extremely heavy rainfall, defined as over 204 mm in a single day. The weather is being driven by a strong low-pressure area formed over the Bay of Bengal, which is now pushing heavy monsoonal clouds across Kerala.
Already, the impact is being felt across the state. In Idukki and Wayanad, major hill routes have been closed due to the risk of landslides. Small landslips have damaged rural roads and cut off access to hilltop settlements. Residents have been evacuated to temporary camps, and local panchayats are working with disaster response teams to ensure food, water, and medical care are provided.
In urban districts like Ernakulam and Kozhikode, floodwaters have entered homes, and drainage systems have overflowed. Many areas are experiencing intermittent power cuts, and the Kerala State Electricity Board has disconnected power in flooded neighborhoods to prevent electrocution hazards.
Emergency response units have been deployed across all red-alert districts. Boats, earthmovers, and first aid kits are in place, while the NDRF is assisting in search and rescue operations. The Health Department has activated mobile clinics and deployed additional medical staff to address potential outbreaks of waterborne diseases.
Public transportation services remain limited in many areas, and the Southern Railway has announced delays on several routes due to waterlogged tracks. Airports remain operational but are under close observation due to poor visibility and runway water accumulation.
The IMD has predicted continued rainfall for the next few days, with the possibility of isolated extremely heavy showers in central and northern Kerala. In addition to the red alerts, orange and yellow alerts have been issued across the rest of the state, suggesting a widespread and prolonged monsoon event.
Authorities have requested the public to stay indoors, avoid riverbanks and hillsides, and closely monitor updates from the IMD and local government channels. As the situation unfolds, Kerala is once again reminded of the delicate balance it must maintain between human development and nature’s power.
