Heavy Rains Forecast in Kerala; IMD Issues Yellow Alert in 12 Districts

Thiruvananthapuram: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned of heavy rainfall across Kerala, issuing a yellow alert in 12 districts — Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Idukki, Ernakulam, Thrissur, Palakkad, Malappuram, Kozhikode, and Wayanad. The rain is expected to intensify due to a low-pressure area over the Arabian Sea and a cyclonic circulation over the Bay of Bengal.
The Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA) has cautioned fishermen and coastal residents as strong winds and rough sea conditions are likely over the southeast Arabian Sea and adjoining regions. Wind speeds may reach 45 to 55 kmph and gust up to 65 kmph. Similar weather is expected over Kanyakumari, the Maldives area, the Gulf of Mannar, and the Andaman Sea.
On monday, heavy rains lashed several parts of the state. The high ranges of southern Thiruvananthapuram and northern Kozhikode and Kannur districts witnessed continuous rain and overcast skies throughout the day. A heavy downpour lasting nearly an hour caused waterlogging along the Thiruvananthapuram–Tenkasi road, disrupting traffic for some time. Flooding was also reported on the Palode–Elavattom stretch.
In Kannur, floodwaters entered residential and commercial premises. A wall reportedly collapsed on a house following heavy rainfall. In Thrissur and Ernakulam districts, lightning damaged several houses, cracking walls and destroying electrical equipment. A family in Pallippuram, Thrissur, narrowly escaped after an uprooted tree fell on their house.
The State Disaster Management Authority has urged people in landslide- and flood-prone areas to move to safer locations as directed by local authorities. Residents along riverbanks and downstream of dams have also been advised to relocate in advance, as water levels may rise due to continuous rainfall.