KOZHIKODE: Kerala is once again on high alert as heavy to very heavy rainfall continues to lash several parts of the state. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued fresh warnings for multiple districts, predicting widespread rain, thunderstorms and gusty winds over the next few days.
According to the IMD, isolated areas in central and northern Kerala are “very likely to experience extremely heavy rainfall” today. The weather department has also forecast thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and wind speeds of 30–40 kmph till October 25, affecting both Kerala and the Lakshadweep islands.
District-wise alerts have been issued to help authorities and residents prepare for potential emergencies. Idukki, Palakkad and Malappuram districts are under a red alert, indicating the likelihood of extremely heavy rain. An orange alert has been sounded in Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Ernakulam, Thrissur, Kozhikode and Wayanad, while a yellow alert is in place for Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Kannur, Kasargod and Lakshadweep.
Despite the ongoing downpour, Kerala recorded a 27 per cent rainfall deficit during the first three weeks of October. This variation highlights the erratic nature of the monsoon this year, with dry spells followed by intense rainstorms. The sudden change in weather has raised concerns among farmers and local authorities regarding crop damage and flood risk.
In Idukki district, the water level at the Mullaperiyar Dam rose to 138.50 feet, just below the maximum permissible level of 142 feet. Authorities are closely monitoring water levels in other reservoirs across the state, including those at Idamalayar and Peringalkuthu, to manage inflows and prevent overflow incidents.
The Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA) has directed district administrations to remain on high alert. Mining and quarrying activities have been suspended in landslide-prone zones. Residents in hilly areas and tourists visiting hill stations have been urged to avoid travel until the weather stabilises. Fishermen have been advised not to venture into the sea due to the presence of a low-pressure area over the southeast Arabian Sea and a cyclonic circulation near the Kerala coast.
Emergency response teams have been stationed in vulnerable regions, and local bodies have been asked to ensure that relief camps and drainage systems are ready for use. The IMD continues to monitor the situation and will update warnings as weather patterns evolve.
The heavy rain comes at a time when the state is recovering from previous spells of flooding and waterlogging. While no major incidents have been reported so far, authorities are on guard as the risk of landslides, flash floods and power disruptions remains high.