Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala is reeling under the impact of a vigorous and early southwest monsoon, which made its landfall on May 24—eight days ahead of schedule, marking the earliest onset in 16 years. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a series of red and orange alerts across multiple districts, warning of heavy to extremely heavy rainfall over the coming days.

On May 25, red alerts were declared in five districts—Kasaragod, Kannur, Kozhikode, Wayanad, and Malappuram—signaling a threat of over 204.4 mm of rainfall within 24 hours. Nine other districts, including Pathanamthitta, Kottayam, Ernakulam, and Thrissur, are under orange alerts, with expectations of very heavy showers. The warning extends through May 27, with red alerts likely in 11 districts on May 26.

Thiruvananthapuram bore the brunt of the weather overnight, as winds reaching up to 59 km/h uprooted trees and caused flooding in several areas, including Thampanoor, Beemapally, and Pattom.

In Idukki, five shutters of the Malankara Dam were opened on Saturday, increasing water flow into the Thodupuzha and Muvattupuzha rivers. The surge has raised concerns about downstream flooding, prompting district authorities to intensify monitoring of water levels and vulnerable riverbanks.

Revenue Minister K. Rajan led a high-level emergency meeting with disaster response officials and district collectors to strengthen the state's preparedness. A total of 3,950 relief camps have been readied, while two National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams are on the ground, with seven more expected to join rescue and relief operations.

Warning sirens have been activated in 99 flood-prone locations, and alternate routes are being mapped to avoid blocked roads due to waterlogging or landslides. Authorities have ordered strict adherence to dam management protocols to ensure timely communication and action.

As a precautionary move, all tourism centers in Idukki, including the popular Ramakkalmedu hill station, have been closed. Similar restrictions are in place in Kozhikode and Kasaragod, with entry to beaches, riverbanks, and waterfalls banned. In Malappuram, all educational institutions, including tuition centers and madrasas, have been declared shut for May 25.

One fatality was reported in Vadakara, where a man died during well construction due to a soil collapse. In Kozhikode, falling trees and strong winds have caused extensive property damage. Authorities have appealed to the public to report unstable trees and avoid parking vehicles near them.

Health Minister Veena George has activated precautionary measures to prevent outbreaks of waterborne and mosquito-borne diseases. The public is urged to drink boiled water, destroy mosquito-breeding sites, and report symptoms early. Hospitals have been directed to ensure adequate stocks of medicines and maintain hygiene protocols in relief camps.

Control rooms are operational in all taluks and districts, with helplines 1077 and 1070 available for emergency assistance. Residents in landslide-prone and low-lying areas have been asked to avoid night travel, stay indoors, and move to safer locations if necessary.

As heavy rains continue to lash the state, Kerala’s disaster response machinery, local administrations, and citizens are in a race against time to minimize damage and safeguard lives. With more rain on the horizon, maintaining vigilance, timely communication, and community cooperation will be critical in weathering this storm.