Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala is facing an intense bout of extreme weather as the Central Meteorological Department has issued a stern warning of extremely heavy rainfall across the state today and tomorrow. With all 14 districts under rain alerts and red warnings issued for multiple regions, the situation is rapidly escalating into a widespread weather emergency.
Red alerts have been sounded in Ernakulam, Idukki, Thrissur, and Malappuram, where downpours are expected to be severe, especially in central Kerala and the high ranges. Orange alerts are active in Kasaragod, Kannur, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Palakkad, Kottayam, Alappuzha, and Pathanamthitta districts. Thiruvananthapuram and Kollam remain on yellow alert today, but red alerts loom tomorrow for Kannur and Kasaragod.
The India Meteorological Department has also warned of gusty winds, lightning, and isolated thunderstorms accompanying the rain. The State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA) has urged citizens to remain vigilant and avoid unnecessary travel, particularly in vulnerable and low-lying areas.
In Thrissur, early morning rainfall turned catastrophic as a powerful toramazha flooded numerous homes in both urban and rural belts. Floodwaters surged through residential areas near Ashwani Hospital, forcing police and rescue units to evacuate stranded residents. Atur near Chelakkara witnessed traffic disruptions as mountain torrents from Asurankundu hills inundated roads.
Ernakulam witnessed heavy overnight rain, submerging many parts of the district. In a shocking incident, an online taxi guided by Google Maps plunged into a swollen stream near Pettah-Thamarassery. Due to the high water level, the road and waterbody became indistinguishable, leading to the accident. The car was recovered after several hours by local residents, who criticised the absence of proper signage and safety barriers in the area.
Palakkad district reported landslides in Attappadi and Mandampotti areas, where rainwater carried rocks and soil onto roads, halting traffic. The Kunthipuzha and Nellipuzha rivers began to swell, posing threats to nearby communities. In Alanallur and Edathanattukara Cross Veil, floodwaters entered residential areas, prompting emergency measures. Idukki has placed restrictions on water-related tourism, off-road treks, and adventure activities due to unsafe terrain.
In Thiruvananthapuram's Muthalappozhy, yet another boat mishap occurred as Nithyasaya Matha, a fishing vessel, capsized around 6 a.m. The boat, owned by a Vettuthura resident, was caught in rough seas during a fishing expedition. Two fishermen Abhilash from Chirayinkeezhu and Kiran from Vettur were rescued and hospitalized. Fortunately, their injuries were not life-threatening. This incident follows a similar capsize in the same location just a day earlier, raising concerns over marine safety.
The meteorological department has also cautioned about the Black Sea phenomenon, expected to bring high waves and significant sea erosion along the coasts of Thiruvananthapuram and Kollam. Fishermen have been warned to stay ashore, and fishing is strictly prohibited along the Kerala, Karnataka, and Lakshadweep coasts.
With skies refusing to clear and districts reeling under waterlogging and disruption, Kerala stands on high alert. Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely, with rescue and relief teams mobilised across flood-prone zones.