The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Friday forecast heavy rainfall across several parts of Kerala, particularly in the southern districts of the state, prompting weather alerts and warnings about possible flooding and landslides in vulnerable areas.
According to the IMD, an orange alert has been issued for the coastal district of Alappuzha, indicating the likelihood of very heavy rainfall ranging between 11 cm and 20 cm within a 24-hour period. Authorities have advised residents in low-lying and flood-prone areas to remain cautious as intense rain activity is expected to continue.
In addition to Alappuzha, the weather department also issued a yellow alert for six other districts — Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Kottayam, Ernakulam and Idukki. A yellow alert signifies the possibility of heavy rainfall between 6 cm and 11 cm and serves as a warning for residents and local administrations to stay prepared for adverse weather conditions.
The IMD further stated that Kerala is likely to witness widespread light to moderate rainfall accompanied by isolated spells of heavy rain, thunderstorms and gusty winds over the next few days. The prevailing weather system is expected to remain active till May 27, affecting several parts of the state.
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The department has also predicted that isolated regions of Kerala may experience heavy to very heavy rainfall between May 28 and June 3, raising concerns about the impact of prolonged wet weather conditions, especially in hilly and coastal regions.
As a precautionary measure, the IMD warned that the continuing rainfall could trigger moderate flash floods and localised flooding in various districts. Waterlogging in low-lying urban areas, inundation of roads, and traffic disruptions in major towns and cities are also likely due to the intense rainfall activity.
The weather department further cautioned about the possibility of isolated landslides and mudslides in vulnerable hilly regions, particularly in districts such as Idukki and Pathanamthitta, which are prone to rain-related disasters during the monsoon season.
Authorities have urged fishermen, residents in landslide-prone areas and people living near rivers and water bodies to remain vigilant and follow official advisories. Disaster management teams and local administrations are closely monitoring the situation to ensure timely response in case of emergencies.
With Kerala preparing for the onset of an active monsoon phase, officials have advised the public to avoid unnecessary travel during periods of intense rainfall and to take adequate safety precautions in affected regions.
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