Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala has been battered by exceptionally heavy rainfall during the initial days of the monsoon season, with precipitation soaring to 468 percent above normal levels statewide. While the average expected rainfall was around 69.6 mm, an overwhelming 395.5 mm was recorded, marking an intense start to the season.
The districts of Palakkad, Kannur, Wayanad, and Kozhikode bore the brunt, with rainfall exceeding usual levels by 976%, 856%, 670%, and 566% respectively. Every one of Kerala’s 14 districts experienced rainfall well beyond the typical range.
The relentless downpour has caused reservoir levels to surge alarmingly. Authorities have issued a red alert for dams including Moozhiyar in Pathanamthitta, Ponmudi in Idukki, and Kallarkutty, Ittayar, and Lower Periyar dams managed by the Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB). Meanwhile, major dams like Idukki, Malampuzha, Banasura Sagar, and Peechi are filling up rapidly, holding 38.69%, 34%, 29.93%, and 16% of their capacity respectively.
The heavy rains proved fatal for 13 people across the state on Friday alone, with three individuals still missing. Casualties were reported in multiple districts: four in Ernakulam, three in Thiruvananthapuram, two in Kottayam, and one each in Kasaragod, Kannur, Idukki, and Alappuzha. Among the incidents, one person was swept into the sea near Thiruvananthapuram, a coconut harvester drowned in Alappuzha’s Thakazhi, and another went missing in Ernakulam’s Kumbalam area.
Infrastructure has also taken a hit, with nine homes completely destroyed and approximately 300 suffering partial damage over the past 48 hours. Relief efforts have been swift, relocating 1,439 individuals from 429 families into 60 camps to ensure their safety.
The Kerala State Electricity Board has reported financial damages exceeding Rs 120 crore during this first week of intense monsoon activity, underscoring the severity of the impact on both people and infrastructure. The state remains on high alert as the monsoon’s fury shows little sign of abating.