Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala is preparing for another spell of intense monsoon rain after the India Meteorological Department revised its weather warning and placed 10 districts under an orange alert. The latest forecast has raised concerns over possible flooding, landslides and widespread disruption, especially in Pathanamthitta, where authorities say the risk of flooding has increased because of continuous heavy rainfall and rising river levels.
The India Meteorological Department said the orange alert indicates the possibility of very heavy rainfall, with between 115.6 mm and 204.4 mm of rain expected within 24 hours in some places. The warning covers Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Idukki, Ernakulam, Thrissur, Palakkad, Malappuram, Kozhikode and Wayanad. The remaining districts are under a yellow alert, signalling the likelihood of heavy rainfall and the need for continued vigilance.
Pathanamthitta has emerged as one of the most vulnerable districts as rivers continue to swell after several days of persistent rain. Officials are closely monitoring water levels and have warned residents living along riverbanks and in low lying areas to stay alert. People in landslide prone hilly regions have also been advised to remain cautious and be ready to move to safer locations if evacuation orders are issued.
The state government has intensified disaster preparedness measures as heavy rain continues to affect many parts of Kerala. District administrations, police, Fire and Rescue Services and other emergency agencies have been placed on high alert to respond quickly to any emergency. Relief camps are ready to accommodate people who may have to leave their homes due to flooding or landslides.
Experienced fishermen have once again been called upon to assist in rescue operations in flood affected areas. Their boats are being used to reach people stranded in waterlogged villages and transport them to safer places. Fishermen played a vital role during previous floods in Kerala, and authorities have once again sought their support as rescue efforts continue in vulnerable districts.
The weather department has also warned that strong surface winds reaching speeds of 40 to 50 kilometres per hour may accompany the heavy rain. These conditions could lead to trees being uprooted, damage to weak structures and disruptions to electricity supply in some areas. Officials have urged the public to avoid unnecessary travel unless absolutely essential, particularly through hilly roads and areas known for landslides.
The India Meteorological Department has issued a separate warning for fishermen, advising them not to venture into the Arabian Sea because of rough sea conditions, strong winds and high waves. Coastal residents have also been asked to remain cautious as the sea is expected to stay turbulent over the next few days.
The continuing monsoon has already caused significant damage in several districts. Flooded roads, waterlogged homes, damaged infrastructure and landslides have disrupted daily life in many places. Thousands of people have been shifted to relief camps while emergency teams continue rescue and relief operations. Several rain related deaths have also been reported in recent days, prompting the government to strengthen disaster response measures across the state.
Officials have appealed to the public to follow weather advisories issued by the India Meteorological Department and the Kerala State Disaster Management Authority. Residents have been asked to avoid crossing flooded roads, stay away from swollen rivers, keep emergency supplies ready and cooperate fully with local authorities if evacuation becomes necessary.
Meteorologists expect widespread rainfall to continue across Kerala over the coming days as the active monsoon system remains strong. Authorities have said weather warnings may be updated further depending on changing rainfall patterns, and people are advised to monitor official updates regularly. With Pathanamthitta and several central Kerala districts facing the greatest threat from floods and landslides, disaster management teams remain on standby to respond to any emergency as the state continues to battle another intense phase of the southwest monsoon.