Kerala and Karnataka have been placed on high alert as the southwest monsoon made an aggressive early entry into southern India, bringing with it relentless rains, deadly incidents, and widespread disruption.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued red alerts for several districts in both states, warning of extremely heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, and gusty winds in the coming days. In Kerala, the monsoon has already taken a tragic turn. Authorities confirmed that four people have died due to rain-related incidents. As of May 27, 29 houses have been completely destroyed, while 868 more have suffered partial damage. Landslides and flash floods have been reported in the hilly regions, especially in Wayanad, Idukki, and Kozhikode, prompting local authorities to set up relief camps and intensify rescue operations.
The IMD’s red alert covers key districts including Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur, Malappuram, and Kasargod, forecasting extremely heavy rainfall exceeding 204 mm in 24 hours. The Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA) has activated control rooms and urged residents in vulnerable areas to remain vigilant and avoid unnecessary travel. Meanwhile, in Karnataka, the coastal and ghat regions are also reeling under the impact of torrential rains. The Dakshina Kannada district, including Mangaluru, Puttur, and Subrahmanya, has witnessed flooded roads, submerged houses, and damage to farmlands. The IMD has issued red alerts for the coastal belt, with forecasts of continuing heavy rainfall till May 30.
District administrations in both states have deployed National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) teams to high-risk zones. Fisherfolk have been advised to stay away from the sea as strong winds and high waves have been reported along the Arabian Sea coast. This early onset of the monsoon, which usually arrives in Kerala by June 1, is part of a broader climatic shift that is causing increased unpredictability in seasonal weather patterns. Experts warn that while the rains bring relief from heat, the lack of resilient infrastructure, especially in hill districts and urban fringes, leaves communities vulnerable to climate-linked disasters.
The developments in Kerala and Karnataka come amid similar alerts in Goa and Maharashtra, with the IMD closely monitoring a developing low-pressure system over the Bay of Bengal, which may intensify rainfall activity in eastern states such as Odisha and West Bengal by the end of the month. As the monsoon continues its advance, authorities in the southern states have urged residents to follow official advisories, stock essentials, and remain alert for any evacuation or emergency instructions. The current situation is a stark reminder of the need for climate-resilient urban planning, improved early warning systems, and equitable disaster response strategies across India’s monsoon-prone regions.
Also Read : Hyderabad Sees Earliest Monsoon Arrival In Recent Years
