Saturday, May 24, 2025
Kerala, India, is preparing for an incessant five-day heavy rain spell, for which red and orange alerts have been issued across several vulnerable districts at an early stage. The authorities have sounded an alert about extreme flooding, landslides, and electrical dangers, and people have been called upon to exercise maximum caution and adopt emergency preparedness strategies to safeguard life and property during this severe weather condition.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a series of severe weather warnings for Kerala, forecasting heavy to extremely heavy rainfall across various districts over the next five days. From May 23 to May 27, the state will experience a mix of red, orange, and yellow alerts, signaling varying intensities of rain that require heightened awareness and preparedness throughout the region.
Intense Rainfall Warnings Across Kerala
Starting with northern and southern parts of Kerala, the IMD’s alerts highlight the possibility of intense and persistent rainfall. A red alert, the highest level indicating extremely heavy rain, has been declared for Kannur and Kasaragod on May 24. This warning expands to cover Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur, and Kasaragod again on May 25, and further intensifies on May 27, including Pathanamthitta, Idukki, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur, and Kasaragod. These areas are expected to face heavy downpours that could trigger flooding, landslides, and other severe weather-related hazards.
In addition to these red alerts, several districts are under orange alerts, signifying heavy to very heavy rainfall. On May 23, the orange alert includes Thrissur, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur, and Kasaragod. The following day, May 24, the orange alert spreads to Pathanamthitta, Kottayam, Ernakulam, Idukki, Thrissur, Palakkad, Malappuram, Kozhikode, and Wayanad. Further orange warnings extend through May 25, 26, and 27, with districts such as Alappuzha, Kottayam, Palakkad, and Ernakulam likely to experience significant rainfall.
A yellow alert, which warns of the potential for isolated heavy rain, covers a broader range of districts including Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Idukki, and Palakkad. This alert remains active across these districts for the entire five-day period, with southern Kerala under close watch until May 27.
Weather Alerts in Neighboring States
Besides Kerala, the IMD has also issued orange warnings for other regions. Moderate rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms, lightning, and strong winds reaching 50-60 kilometers per hour is expected over Goa, interior Maharashtra, south and central Chhattisgarh (including Raipur), south Odisha, East Uttar Pradesh, west Bihar, Jharkhand, and north Gangetic West Bengal over the next few hours. Residents in these areas are advised to stay alert and take necessary precautions.
Safety Precautions and Public Advisory
In light of these forecasts, Kerala’s authorities, alongside the IMD, have urged residents—especially those living in vulnerable hilly regions—to exercise caution. Areas prone to landslides, rockfalls, and flash floods are at heightened risk during the intense rain periods, prompting officials to recommend temporary relocation to safer locations.
Communities residing in low-lying zones prone to waterlogging have been advised to monitor their surroundings carefully and move to designated relief camps if the situation worsens. The government emphasizes avoiding non-essential travel during heavy rainfall phases to minimize risk. Additionally, recreational outings to waterfalls, water bodies, and mountainous terrains should be postponed until the alerts are lifted to prevent accidents.
Electrical hazards are a significant concern during this period. Residents should remain vigilant regarding fallen or broken power lines in waterlogged areas and immediately report any dangers to the Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) through the emergency contact number 1912. Extra caution is urged for early morning commuters, including students and workers, who may face increased risks from such electrical faults.
Emergency Services and Contact Information
To manage the potential impact of the heavy rainfall, control rooms at taluk and district levels have been activated and will operate round the clock. These centers coordinate disaster response and provide assistance to affected individuals.
In emergencies, residents can reach out to dedicated toll-free helpline numbers 1077 or 1070 for immediate help and information. These helplines are staffed to guide the public during adverse weather conditions, offering critical support in flood rescue, medical emergencies, and other urgent needs.
Preparing for the Coming Days
With Kerala facing days of persistent and intense rainfall, preparedness is vital. Residents are encouraged to secure their homes, stock essential supplies, and stay updated on weather advisories issued by the IMD and local authorities. Continuous monitoring of the situation will help mitigate the risks posed by this spell of severe weather, ensuring safety and minimizing damage.
The cooperation of the public in following government advisories, avoiding risky areas, and reporting hazards will be crucial in managing the challenges posed by the forecast. Kerala’s emergency services remain vigilant and ready to respond swiftly to protect lives and property.
India’s Kerala is hit with five unrelenting days of intense rain as critical warnings are issued for protecting people from floods, landslides, and adverse weather conditions. Authorities call for increased vigilance and preparedness for maintaining people’s safety.
This forecast underlines the importance of caution and proactive measures as Kerala navigates the next several days of heavy rains and possible flooding. Staying informed and prepared will be key to ensuring community resilience and safety during this period of adverse weather.
