As torrential rains continue to wreak havoc across Kerala, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert for 12 districts on Sunday, warning that heavy rainfall is likely to persist.
The orange alert has been issued for Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Ernakulam, Idukki, Thrissur, Palakkad, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur and Kasaragod districts. Thiruvananthapuram and Kollam are the only districts without any weather alerts.
Although no alerts have been issued for Monday and Tuesday, heavy rain is expected to continue across most parts of the state.
P C Vishnunadh, Tourism Minister, who is in charge of Pathanamthitta district, said that necessary measures were being taken to tackle the crisis. “A second unit of the NDRF (National Disaster Response Force), Fire Force units from Thiruvananthapuram, Palakkad and Ernakulam have been asked to come. Rescue teams have already been deployed since yesterday while anticipating any rain-related disasters,” he said.
With its geographic location, it takes at least two days for the water to drain off from Aranmula. Accordingly, relief camps need to be set up to accommodate more people. There are currently 1,669 people in relief camps in the district alone.
Responding to Aranmula MLA Abin Varkey’s statement on the current condition of Aranmula, Revenue Minister A P Anilkumar said that efforts are being taken to mitigate the crisis. He further said heavy rain is likely to continue in the state till August 5.
With rain and thundershowers likely at most places, the IMD has issued heavy rainfall, wind and fishermen warnings for Sunday. According to the latest forecast, these warnings are expected to be lifted from Monday. However, a heavy rainfall warning is likely to return on August 5, although no district-specific alerts have been issued for that day.
The weather agency has also forecast squally weather, with wind speeds of 45-55 kmph, gusting up to 65 kmph, over the Kerala coast. In view of the rough sea conditions, fishermen have been advised not to venture into the sea.
The district administrations of Wayanad, Kannur, Thrissur, Pathanamthitta, Kozhikode, Kottayam, Ernakulam and Malappuram have declared a holiday for all educational institutions functioning on Sunday.
Authorities have cautioned that intense rainfall could lead to waterlogging, poor visibility and traffic disruptions, particularly in low-lying areas. Strong winds may uproot trees, damage power lines, and disrupt transport and electricity supply. Crops nearing harvest could also suffer damage.
The IMD has further warned of possible landslides in vulnerable regions and lightning-related incidents. Residents have been advised to avoid open spaces during thunderstorms, stay away from weak structures, and follow instructions issued by local authorities.
The warnings come after heavy rains battered the state on Saturday, leaving six people dead and six others missing in separate incidents. Landslides reported in Idukki and Kottayam claimed four lives, while waterlogging and mudslides were reported from several parts of the state. Rivers also overflowed in many areas following the incessant rainfall.
The state has opened 65 relief camps, sheltering 1,465 people. Kottayam, one of the worst-affected districts, has the highest number of camps at 23, followed by Pathanamthitta with 22. Six camps each have been opened in Kozhikode and Idukki. Authorities said more people would be shifted to relief camps if the situation worsens.
