As the southwest monsoon makes an early and forceful entry into Kerala, central districts are bearing the brunt of relentless rains, resulting in tragic fatalities and significant agricultural losses.
In Alappuzha, 18-year-old Nithya lost her life when a temporary shop collapsed due to strong winds at the beach. Her friend, Adarsh, sustained serious injuries in the incident. In Thrissur's Punnamparambu area, 41-year-old Renu was electrocuted after touching a faulty iron grill, with her daughter narrowly escaping harm.
The districts of Nedumbassery, Chalakudy, and Mala witnessed whirlwind-like conditions, leading to the uprooting of over 300 rubber trees and destruction of crops such as coconut, banana, and nutmeg. The estimated agricultural loss in Ernakulam district alone amounts to ₹26 crore.
In Cherthala, a rescue officer from the local fire station sustained severe injuries when a tree fell on him during relief operations; he is currently receiving treatment at a private hospital in Ernakulam.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued red alerts for several districts, including Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur, and Kasaragod, with orange alerts in other regions. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has convened a state-level review meeting and requested the deployment of nine National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams to assist in relief efforts.
Residents in landslide-prone areas are being relocated to safer locations, and tourism activities in affected regions have been suspended. The public is advised to exercise caution, especially in hilly terrains and coastal areas, as heavy rains and strong winds are expected to continue in the coming days.
For assistance, individuals can contact the District Disaster Management Authority's emergency operations centers at the toll-free number 1077 or the State Emergency Operations Centre at 1070.
As Kerala navigates this challenging monsoon season, the resilience and preparedness of its communities and authorities remain crucial in mitigating the impact of these natural calamities.