Kerala Battles Devastating Monsoon Rains: Nine Districts Under Yellow Alert as Floods Cause Widespread Chaos
The southern Indian state of Kerala is reeling from days of relentless rain, strong winds, and widespread flooding triggered by a low-pressure system over the Bay of Bengal. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has placed nine districts—Ernakulam, Idukki, Thrissur, Palakkad, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur, and Kasaragod—under a yellow alert, warning of more heavy to very heavy rainfall through July 30.
According to the IMD, surface winds ranging from 50–60 km/h are expected to batter Kerala and the Lakshadweep region on July 26 and 27, before slightly weakening to 40–50 km/h from July 28 to 29. Rainfall between 7–11 cm within 24 hours has been recorded in multiple regions, with isolated areas receiving very heavy rainfall of 12–20 cm. The persistent downpour has caused major disruption to transportation, electricity supply, and public safety infrastructure across the state.
Flooding and Infrastructure Collapse
The intense weather has overwhelmed drainage systems and caused severe flooding in urban and rural areas alike. In Ernakulam and Alappuzha, entire neighborhoods have been submerged. Dozens of families have been displaced and shifted to government-operated relief camps. Authorities have set up additional shelters in anticipation of further displacement.
In Wayanad and Kannur, landslides and mudslides have disrupted life in hilly terrains. In Aralam, Kannur, the overflowing Bavali River submerged over 36 houses, prompting mass evacuations. In Vythiri, Wayanad, roads were blocked after fallen trees crushed vehicles. Similar scenes unfolded in Kozhikode’s Thamarassery and Vilanagad, where roads were closed due to treefalls, creating massive traffic snarls and isolating remote villages.
River Overflow Triggers Flood Warnings Across Kerala
Several rivers in Kerala are nearing or exceeding danger levels. The Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA) issued orange alerts for a number of major rivers, including:
- Manimala and Pampa (Pathanamthitta)
- Vamanapuram (Thiruvananthapuram)
- Pallikkal (Kollam)
- Achankovil (Alappuzha)
- Thodupuzha (Idukki)
- Chalakudy (Thrissur)
- Valapattanam (Kannur)
- Kabani (Wayanad)
To reduce the risk of dam overflows, authorities opened shutters at major reservoirs including Sholayar, Kakkayam, and Idukki, releasing excess water into downstream rivers. The public has been urged to stay away from riverbanks and heed evacuation advisories issued by local authorities.
Emergency Response and Relief Operations
Kerala’s Disaster Response Force, local police, and panchayat-level officials are coordinating rescue and relief operations in affected areas. Emergency teams are clearing blocked roads, removing debris, and restoring essential services such as electricity and drinking water. The state government has confirmed that 163 houses have been fully destroyed, with hundreds more partially damaged.
More than 50 relief camps have been activated in affected districts, especially in Ernakulam, Wayanad, and Kannur, providing shelter, food, and medical assistance to displaced residents. Public health officials are monitoring for potential outbreaks of waterborne diseases, while veterinary teams have been deployed to help livestock stranded in flooded farms.
Government Announces Compensation and Long-Term Measures
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has directed district administrations to expedite the damage assessment process. Preliminary compensation packages are being prepared for families who lost their homes or crops, with additional central government assistance expected soon. Vijayan emphasized that protecting lives remains the top priority, and warned citizens against complacency.
The Chief Minister has also called on the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Revenue Department to be on high alert in case the weather conditions worsen again in early August. Further, the Kerala Public Works Department (PWD) has been tasked with conducting structural audits on bridges and hill roads impacted by the rainfall.
IMD Outlook: Relief Likely by Early Next Week
Meteorologists from the India Meteorological Department have indicated that the low-pressure system over the Bay of Bengal is expected to weaken gradually, bringing relief to the state by July 30. However, isolated heavy spells may continue in districts like Idukki and Kozhikode due to orographic effects in Kerala’s Western Ghats.
The IMD has advised fishermen against venturing into the Arabian Sea and Lakshadweep waters until conditions stabilize. Tourism operators, especially in Munnar, Wayanad, and Thekkady, have temporarily suspended hill station packages and urged visitors to postpone travel plans.
Public Advisory: Stay Informed and Avoid Risk Zones
Authorities are urging the public to closely monitor weather updates and follow safety guidelines issued through official channels, including the KSDMA App, local radio stations, and district-level WhatsApp groups. Travelers are advised to avoid landslide-prone areas and refrain from crossing flooded roads or bridges.
The Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) and Kerala Water Authority are working round-the-clock to restore damaged infrastructure. As clean-up and restoration efforts accelerate, the collective cooperation of residents, tourists, and relief personnel will be vital for Kerala’s swift recovery.
As Kerala braces for the tail end of this destructive weather system, the resilience of its communities and the coordinated response by its agencies offer hope that the state can recover stronger, even as climate events grow increasingly frequent and intense.
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