Kerala Under Cloud Siege: Red Alert in Four Districts as Monsoon Intensifies

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has also issued four Kerala districts a red alert today with a warning of over 204.4 mm of extremely heavy rain in the next 24 hours. The alerts come in the form of a deep depression over south-eastern Uttar Pradesh, which continues to push intense rain systems towards the southern seacoast.

Highlights of the IMD forecast

- Red alert areas on July 18: Wayanad, Kannur, Kasaragod, and Kozhikode
- Orange alerts have been raised for Idukki, Malappuram, and Kozhikode, which have recorded extremely heavy rains ranging from 115.6 mm to 204.4 mm
- Yellow warnings are issued for Pathanamthitta, Kottayam, Ernakulam, Thrissur, and Palakkad, for scattered heavy rains.

River warnings and safety advisories

1. Increased water levels have issued flood alerts for rivers like Korappuzha and Kuttiyadi in Kozhikode, Perumba in Kannur, and Uppala and Shiriya in Kasaragod
2. Individuals residing near riverbanks have been warned against crossing or entering rivers at all cost
3. Surface winds gusty at 40–50 kmph over Kerala, Mahe, and Lakshadweep during the weekend

Why it matters

While the rain becomes heavier until July 21, the government is keeping a strict lookout for flash floods, landslides, and waterlogging. State disaster management officials are present in the field, warning people to remain indoors and follow government advice. 

Sources: Mathrubhumi, The Hindu, Kerala Kaumudi, Deshabhimani, Moneycontrol