Kerala Hit by 6x Rainfall in a Week Amid Monsoon Onslaught
Kerala is reeling under intense monsoon activity, having received nearly six times the normal rainfall over the past week. Since the southwest monsoon made its early onset on May 24, the state recorded an average of 40 centimeters of rain by May 30—far exceeding the expected 7 centimeters for this period. Districts in North and Central Kerala have been hit the hardest, with Kannur receiving a staggering 63 cm of rain, followed by Kozhikode at 58.1 cm and Idukki at 45.5 cm. This abrupt and extreme downpour has led to widespread flooding, landslides, property damage, and fatalities across multiple regions.
Floods, Landslides, and Casualties Across the State
The torrential rains have caused havoc across Kerala, particularly in Kasaragod, Kannur, and Kozhikode. In Kasaragod, a 39-year-old man drowned amid heavy flooding, while uprooted trees and landslides disrupted road networks and rail lines. A major portion of National Highway 66 was temporarily blocked, and train services between Mangaluru and Kasaragod were suspended due to fallen trees.
In Kottayam, two individuals died when their boat capsized in the overflowing Meenachil River, prompting authorities to set up 36 relief camps. Alappuzha also reported two deaths by drowning, while multiple homes sustained damage due to water ingress. Emergency crews have been mobilized to assist displaced residents and restore basic services in these heavily affected areas.
IMD Red Alerts and Emergency Response
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued red alerts for Kozhikode, Kannur, Wayanad, and several adjoining districts, warning of continued extremely heavy rainfall and the high likelihood of landslides in hilly terrain. As a precautionary measure, schools and colleges in six districts were shut, and the state’s disaster management teams have been placed on high alert.
Rescue teams from the Fire and Rescue Services, State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), and local administration are conducting evacuations and supplying food and essential relief. The Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) has reported substantial infrastructure losses running into crores, with power outages in several regions due to fallen lines and substation flooding.
As Kerala braces for more rain, authorities are urging residents in vulnerable areas to remain cautious, especially in landslide-prone hill districts. With the monsoon just beginning, the week’s events serve as a stark reminder of the state’s vulnerability to climate-induced extreme weather.
