Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala is reeling under the impact of an unusually early and intense monsoon, which has unleashed torrential rains, strong winds, and widespread destruction across the state. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued multiple alerts, including red alerts for several districts, as the state faces severe weather conditions.
The IMD has placed Kozhikode, Wayanad, and Kannur districts under red alert, anticipating extremely heavy rainfall exceeding 204.5 mm within 24 hours. Thrissur, Malappuram, and Kasaragod are under orange alert, while other districts, including Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, and Alappuzha, are on yellow alert. Strong surface winds reaching speeds of 50–60 kmph have been recorded in multiple districts.
The Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) has suffered significant losses due to the inclement weather. Over 12,000 electricity poles have been damaged across 25 electrical circles within 48 hours, along with 48 transformers. Approximately 3 million consumers experienced power outages, and as of Tuesday morning, around 860,000 consumers were still without electricity. The estimated financial loss to KSEB stands at ₹56.7 crore.
The agricultural sector has not been spared, with widespread destruction of crops reported. In Thiruvananthapuram, banana plantations and vegetable farms were destroyed, leading to heavy losses. Coastal areas like Edavanakkad and Kuzhuppilly experienced saline water intrusion, further damaging agricultural lands.
Transportation networks have been disrupted due to the weather conditions. In Ernakulam, trees fell onto railway tracks between Ernakulam Junction and Aluva, causing delays in train services. Flight operations have also been affected, with delays and cancellations reported at various airports.
Several rivers, including Meenachil, Korapuzha, Achankovil, and Manimala, are witnessing rising water levels, prompting flood alerts in adjacent areas. Residents living near these rivers have been advised to exercise caution and avoid venturing into the water.
District administrations have activated control rooms and are closely monitoring the situation. Relief camps have been set up in vulnerable areas, and residents are urged to stay indoors and avoid unnecessary travel. The public is advised to follow official updates and adhere to safety guidelines issued by authorities.
As the monsoon continues to batter Kerala, the state remains on high alert, with efforts underway to mitigate the impact and ensure the safety of its residents.