Kerala is facing the brunt of nature’s fury as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert in eight districts following days of relentless monsoon rainfall. The warning indicates the likelihood of extremely heavy rainfall, posing severe threats of landslides, flash floods, and disruption to essential services.
The districts under red alert are Idukki, Pathanamthitta, Kottayam, Ernakulam, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur, and Kasaragod. These areas, many of which are geographically vulnerable due to their hilly terrain or river networks, are experiencing unprecedented rain intensity.
In Idukki and Wayanad, the downpour has triggered multiple landslides, leading to evacuation orders in high-risk regions. Families have been shifted to temporary shelters, and authorities are closely monitoring unstable slopes. Rescue teams are working around the clock to reach remote areas that have been cut off due to blocked roads.
Ernakulam and Kozhikode, which include major urban centers, are struggling with severe waterlogging. In Kochi, traffic has slowed to a crawl, and residents in low-lying neighborhoods have reported waist-deep water entering homes. The municipal corporations have deployed pump sets and emergency crews to manage the flooding.
Kottayam and Pathanamthitta districts are facing rising river levels, with the Meenachil and Pamba rivers nearing danger marks. The Water Resources Department is preparing for controlled release from dams if water levels rise further, while warning downstream communities to stay alert.
The Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA) has advised residents in all eight districts to avoid travel, stay indoors, and report any signs of soil shifting or tree falls. Emergency response units from the State Police, Fire and Rescue Services, and NDRF are stationed strategically across the state.
As a preventive measure, all schools and colleges in the red alert districts have been ordered shut until further notice. Examinations and public events have been postponed or canceled. Mobile networks have been strengthened in vulnerable areas to ensure communication during emergencies.
The IMD has warned that rainfall will likely continue for the next 48 to 72 hours, urging citizens to remain prepared. The Chief Minister has assured that the state is ready to handle the crisis and requested central support for relief operations if the situation worsens.
Kerala has long lived with the challenges of intense monsoons. But with changing climate patterns and growing urban congestion, the effects are more severe each year. Community vigilance and administrative preparedness are key to minimizing the damage during such high-impact weather events.
