IMD Director Says No Lapse in Warnings Despite Widespread Damage from Rain, Flash Flood

Thiruvananthapuram: India Meteorological Department (IMD) Director Neetha K Gopal said there had been no lapse in issuing weather warnings despite the heavy rain that caused widespread damage and hardship across Keralam.

She said warnings had been issued for all districts for two days, with an orange alert in place. The forecast had indicated widespread rainfall, she said, adding that flash floods occurred in hilly regions because water was unable to drain away.

“The impact of the rain will continue in the coming days. Water levels in several rivers have risen. Ensuring that all drainage channels remain free of obstructions is the most important priority,” she told the media.

However, criticism has intensified over the decision to issue only an orange alert despite the possibility of extremely heavy rainfall. Questions have also been raised over alleged failures by the offices of the Chief Minister and the Revenue Minister in coordinating emergency response measures. Government assistance reportedly reached several disaster-hit areas only after delays.

Pathanamthitta, which received exceptionally heavy rainfall, remained under an orange alert until Friday night. The warning had indicated that isolated areas could receive between 115.6 mm and 204.4 mm of rain within 24 hours. However, Lahai in Pathanamthitta alone recorded 248 mm of rainfall by 8.30 am on Saturday.

A warning indicating rainfall of an intensity comparable to red-alert conditions was issued only after midnight. Authorities issued an alert about river levels rising to near-flood conditions only after 10 am on Saturday. The possibility of coastal erosion and rough seas had been flagged only for Kannur and Kasaragod districts.

By Saturday morning, people in several areas, including parts of Pathanamthitta that experienced heavy rainfall, had been left stranded. There were also allegations that district administrations in many places failed to carry out emergency relief operations effectively.

At Perumathura in Chirayinkeezhu, coastal police reportedly arrived only 13 hours after fishermen went missing at sea. Fishermen staged a protest by blocking the police station and the coastal road, accusing the government of negligence.

The IMD has forecast continued heavy rainfall across Kerala on Sunday. An orange alert has been issued for 12 districts, excluding Thiruvananthapuram and Kollam.