Kerala: IMD Issues Red Alert for Extremely Heavy Rainfall in Five Northern Districts
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for extremely heavy rainfall in five northern Kerala districts: Kannur, Kasaragod, Wayanad, Malappuram, and Kozhikode, effective until June 16. An orange alert for isolated heavy to very heavy rainfall is in place for six other districts until Tuesday. This follows an early monsoon onset on May 24, with heavy rain forecast across the state until Wednesday.
Unpacked:
A 'red alert' by the IMD signals extremely heavy rainfall, indicating a very high risk of severe weather. Residents are advised to take maximum precautions, expect possible flooding, landslides, and significant disruption to daily life, and follow safety instructions from authorities.
Kerala is the first state to be hit by the southwest monsoon winds due to its coastal location and the presence of the Western Ghats, which force moisture-laden winds upward, resulting in heavy rainfall, especially between June and September.
Yes, studies indicate that climate change has increased the intensity of extreme rainfall events in Kerala. For example, a recent monsoon downpour in Wayanad was made 10% heavier by human-caused climate change, contributing to more frequent and intense weather events.
The heavy rains increase the risk of flooding, landslides, river overflows, and infrastructure damage, especially in hilly and low-lying areas. This can disrupt transportation, agriculture, and daily life, and may require emergency response and evacuations in vulnerable regions.