The rain havoc this south west monsoon in Kerala claims 43 lives including 19 deaths in the last 24 hours and ... Read More

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The rain havoc this south west monsoon in Kerala claims 43 lives including 19 deaths in the last 24 hours and 18 persons are missing in the flash floods and landslides with the most affected in Kozhikode. With that, State disaster management has issued ‘Red alert’ in six severely affected districts of Kerala including Kozhikode, Malappuram , Wayanad, Kannur, Kasaragod and Palakkad were flash floods and landslides have been reported and Orange alert was issued in disaster prone and affected districts of Idukki, Kottayam and Alappuzha. While, the weathermen have warned of heavy to very heavy rains in parts of Kerala till Friday, followed by isolated heavy rains in parts of the state till June 18 along with strong winds and high waves along Kerala coast.

While, Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) director K Santosh said, “Heavy rains in the range of 7 to 11 cm and isolated very heavy rains in the range of 12 to 20 cm is likely in parts of Kerala till June 15. Then for the next three days till June 18, heavy rains are expected in parts of the state. It will be accompanied with strong winds from Westerly direction at a speed of 35 to 45 kmph gusting to 55 kmph likely along and off Kerala coast and over Lakshadweep area”.

Officials of IMD and Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA) have also forecast High waves along Kerala coast in the range of 3 to 3.3 m and the sea condition will be rough. They have advised fishermen not to venture into the sea. IMD’s nowcast also warns of thunderstorm accompanied with gusty winds which is likely to affect Alappuzha, Idukki, Ernakulam, Thrissur , Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, and Kannur districts.

“Kozhikode is presently the worst affected. Fire and Rescue Services have exhausted their ability to respond to all the events. District Collector Kozhikode has reported that in a landslide people have been stranded near Thamarassery wherein landslides have submerged four houses claiming six lives. In light of the above, we are requesting the services of NDRF to Kozhikode, an official at the Disaster Management and Revenue Minister told TOI. One more NDRF team has started from Arakkonam to Thrissur, the official said.

KSDMA has also issued alert to pilgrims in Sabarimala to be cautious. Pampa river levels have soared and its gushing waters can trigger landslides and debris flow in the area. The pilgrims have been advised not to travel in two and three wheelers and open vehicles along such vulnerable hilly areas. They have been advised not to take shelter under trees in the vicinity, KSDMA Officials told TOI

Kerala has received 52 percent excess rains this South West Monsoon from June 1 to June 14 with 420.29 mm actual rains as against the normal 276.5 mm rains, IMD officials said.

