Five districts in Kerala are under a red alert today, June 6, as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) warns of extremely heavy rainfall. The alerts signal a heightened risk of flash floods, widespread waterlogging, and potential landslides in vulnerable areas. The southwest monsoon has intensified, unleashing a significant downpour across parts of central and northern Kerala over the past two days, with the system expected to channel more moisture from the Arabian Sea.
The districts facing the red alert on June 6 are Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur, and Kasaragod. These regions are anticipated to receive rainfall exceeding 204.4 mm within a 24-hour period. The IMD's classification indicates a high probability of severe weather events.
Intensified Rainfall and Extended Warnings
Beyond the immediate red alert for June 6, the weather forecast indicates continued adverse conditions.
June 7: Malappuram, Kozhikode, and Wayanad will remain under red alert.
June 8 & 9: Heavy to very heavy rainfall is forecast for isolated places. Orange alerts are issued for Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur, and Kasaragod on June 8, and for Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur, and Kasaragod on June 9.
The wet spell is expected to persist for several more days, potentially until June 10.
Wider Alert Distribution and Associated Risks
While the focus is on the red alert districts, other areas are also under various levels of warning, highlighting the widespread impact of the intensified monsoon.
Read More: Kerala Monsoon Arrives June 4, Bringing Needed Rain
Orange Alerts, indicating the possibility of very heavy rainfall (115.6 to 204.4 mm in 24 hours), have been issued for numerous districts on different days. These include Pathanamthitta, Kottayam, Ernakulam, Idukki, Thrissur, and Palakkad.
The remaining parts of the state are largely under orange alert, with Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, and Alappuzha districts specifically forecast to receive very heavy rainfall.
The deluge significantly increases the risk of floods, landslides, and disruptions. Authorities have urged heightened vigilance, advised against unnecessary travel, and recommended immediate relocation from vulnerable low-lying or hilly areas.
Background: Monsoon's Delayed but Fierce Arrival
The current intense rainfall follows a delayed onset of the southwest monsoon. The IMD notes that an upper-air cyclonic circulation along the west coast is strengthening the convergence of monsoon winds over Kerala, Karnataka, and Goa. This meteorological setup is driving the widespread heavy rainfall across Kerala, leading to widespread damages reported in northern districts. Incidents such as mudslides damaging homes on hilly terrains have already been reported. Emergency response teams are reportedly on high alert, and a fishing ban is in effect until June 9.
