Six times more Monsoon rains within a week
Hyphen Web Desk
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The state has been grappling with severe disruptions following an early and intense onset of the southwest monsoon, which began on May 24. The state recorded approximately 40 cm of rainfall by May 30, nearly six times the typical average for this period.
The relentless downpour has led to significant loss of life and property. At least six fatalities have been reported, with multiple individuals, including fishermen, still missing. Districts such as Kannur and Kasaragod have been particularly affected, experiencing severe flooding, landslides, and infrastructure damage.
Transportation networks have been severely impacted. Key highways, including NH 66, have suffered landslides, while train services between Mangaluru and Kasaragod were disrupted due to fallen trees on tracks. In Thiruvananthapuram, heavy rains and strong winds resulted in one death and one fisherman reported missing near Vizhinjam harbour.
Floodwaters surged across central Travancore, displacing hundreds and inundating homes and farmlands as major rivers breached their banks. The Meenachil, Pampa, Achankovil, and Manimala rivers overflowed, submerging low-lying areas in Kottayam, Pathanamthitta, and Alappuzha districts. Despite a temporary lull in rainfall, the situation remains critical with ongoing evacuations and heightened flood alerts.
The relentless downpour has led to significant loss of life and property. At least six fatalities have been reported, with multiple individuals, including fishermen, still missing. Districts such as Kannur and Kasaragod have been particularly affected, experiencing severe flooding, landslides, and infrastructure damage.
Transportation networks have been severely impacted. Key highways, including NH 66, have suffered landslides, while train services between Mangaluru and Kasaragod were disrupted due to fallen trees on tracks. In Thiruvananthapuram, heavy rains and strong winds resulted in one death and one fisherman reported missing near Vizhinjam harbour.
Floodwaters surged across central Travancore, displacing hundreds and inundating homes and farmlands as major rivers breached their banks. The Meenachil, Pampa, Achankovil, and Manimala rivers overflowed, submerging low-lying areas in Kottayam, Pathanamthitta, and Alappuzha districts. Despite a temporary lull in rainfall, the situation remains critical with ongoing evacuations and heightened flood alerts.
The India Meteorological Department has issued red alerts for multiple districts, including Idukki, Kannur, and Kasaragod, while orange alerts are in effect for several others. Heavy rainfall, driven by strong westerly winds in the lower troposphere, is forecasted to continue, exacerbating the flood situation. The National Centre for Ocean Information Services has also warned of high waves and potential sea surges along the Kerala coast, placing coastal regions under a red alert.
The state government has established 66 relief camps, housing nearly 1,900 displaced individuals. Educational institutions in Kollam, Kottayam, and Idukki were closed as a precautionary measure. The Kerala State Electricity Board has reported damages amounting to crores of rupees across multiple districts.
The state government has established 66 relief camps, housing nearly 1,900 displaced individuals. Educational institutions in Kollam, Kottayam, and Idukki were closed as a precautionary measure. The Kerala State Electricity Board has reported damages amounting to crores of rupees across multiple districts.
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