Ernakulam district in Kerala, India, is currently under a red alert due to heavy pre-monsoon showers. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued the alert on Tuesday, May 28, 2024, predicting rainfall exceeding 204.4mm within a 24-hour period. This follows widespread heavy rainfall across southern Kerala, prompting revised weather forecasts and various alert levels for different districts.
Current Weather Alerts in Kerala
Alongside Ernakulam, Kottayam district is also under a red alert. Orange alerts, indicating the possibility of very heavy rainfall, have been issued for Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, and Idukki districts for May 28 and are expected to continue for Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, and Ernakulam on May 29. Yellow alerts, signifying heavy rainfall, are in place for several other districts, including Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Thrissur, Palakkad, Malappuram, and Kozhikode. These alerts extend into the following days and even into early June for certain regions.
Flooding in Kochi, Kerala. (Photo: Screengrab/ Manorama News)
Impact of Heavy Rainfall in Ernakulam and Kollam
The incessant rainfall has led to significant disruptions in Ernakulam, particularly in Kochi. Severe waterlogging is reported in various areas, including Infopark, Kakkanad, and low-lying regions like Marottichuvadu and Edappally. Major traffic congestion has been experienced on key roads due to the flooding and inclement weather. A fallen tree incident involving a KSRTC bus occurred in Fort Kochi, though no casualties were reported.
A fallen tree obstructs a KSRTC bus in Fort Kochi. (Photo: Special Arrangement)
Kollam district is also facing severe challenges, with over 200 houses submerged in low-lying areas. Residents attribute the flooding to issues with drainage reconstruction. Waterlogging is impacting traffic flow on major roads and highways. Reports indicate residents are evacuating flooded homes.
Widespread Damage and Disruptions Across Kerala
Heavy rainfall has caused widespread damage and disruption throughout Kerala. Thiruvananthapuram, the state capital, has experienced flooding, uprooted trees, and overflowing streams. A house was damaged by a fallen tree in Neyyattinkara. A portion of the Sri Krishna Swamy temple in Neyyattinkara collapsed into the Neyyar river. Landslides have been reported in Varkala, leading to the closure of the Ponmudi eco-tourism center.
Flooded houses and shops in Kollam. (Photo: Screengrab/ Manorama News)
The Aruvikkara dam in Thiruvananthapuram has raised its shutters due to the heavy inflow, prompting authorities to issue warnings to nearby residents. High tides and rough seas are affecting coastal regions, posing a threat to fishing vessels.
Fatalities and Accidents Due to Heavy Rainfall
Tragically, three rain-related fatalities have been reported. A student drowned in Ernakulam, while a man was killed by a falling coconut tree in Alappuzha. A 14-year-old boy drowned in Kasaragod. Additionally, a fisherman lost his life in Muthalapozhi when his boat capsized due to high tidal waves.
IMD Monsoon Forecast
The IMD forecasts above-normal monsoon rainfall in central and south peninsular India, including Kerala. The southwest monsoon is expected to arrive in Kerala on May 31. This above-normal rainfall is anticipated to benefit the country’s rain-fed agricultural regions. Normal to above-normal maximum temperatures are predicted for June across most of India. Conditions remain favorable for the monsoon onset over Kerala within the next five days.
