Kerala: After heavy rains cause widespread damage, IMD issues red alert for Ernakulam, Kozhikode, Wayanad, and five more districts

Monsoon rains have caused heavy damage in Kerala, and the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for eight districts in the state on Thursday.

The districts with a red alert are Pathanamthitta, Kottayam, Ernakulam, Idukki, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur, and Kasaragod. The rest of the districts have been given an orange alert.

For Friday, the IMD has issued a red alert for three districts: Idukki, Kannur, and Kasaragod, and an orange alert for the other 11 districts.


A red alert means very heavy rain, over 20 cm in 24 hours. An orange alert means heavy rain between 11 cm and 20 cm, and a yellow alert means rain between 6 cm and 11 cm.

The IMD said that a strong low-pressure system over the Bay of Bengal is causing heavy rainfall in Kerala. There is also a chance of thunderstorms with moderate rain and strong winds of 40 to 60 km per hour in some areas.

The Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA) warned that water levels in several rivers are rising. These rivers include Manimala and Achankovil in Pathanamthitta, Meenachil in Kottayam, Korapuzha in Kozhikode, and Kabani in Wayanad. People living near these rivers should stay alert.

The heavy rain and strong winds have uprooted trees, caused power outages by damaging electricity poles, and flooded low-lying areas. The fallen trees have damaged many houses, and strong winds have destroyed crops in several places.

In some parts of Kerala, including Wayanad, hundreds of people have been moved to relief camps for safety.

The monsoon arrived in Kerala on May 24, which was eight days earlier than usual.

Inputs from PTI