Kerala is grappling with the devastating impact of heavy pre-monsoon rains, resulting in the loss of 11 lives since May 19. The incessant downpour has caused widespread destruction and prompted urgent responses from the state authorities to mitigate the adverse effects.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Friday issued an orange alert for eight districts, including Thiruvananthapuram, Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Ernakulam, Idukki, Kozhikode, and Kannur. A yellow alert was declared for the remaining districts. These alerts indicate significant rainfall, with orange signalling very heavy rain between 11 cm to 20 cm and yellow indicating heavy rain between 6 cm to 11 cm. A red alert, denoting rainfall exceeding 20 cm within 24 hours, was not issued but remains a critical consideration for state preparedness.
State Revenue Minister K Rajan reported that several regions experienced over 200 mm of rainfall within the last 24 hours. Kunnamangalam in Kozhikode district was particularly hard hit, receiving 22.62 cm of rain, while Cherthala in Alappuzha district recorded 21.5 cm, and Kumarakom in Kottayam district, along with Thamarassery in Kozhikode district, received over 20 cm each.
Minister Rajan elaborated on the tragic incidents resulting from the extreme weather conditions: six individuals drowned, two fell into water-filled quarries, two were struck by lightning, and one succumbed to injuries from a wall collapse. He emphasised the necessity for immediate and effective responses to these heavy rainfall events to prevent further casualties and damage. The Kerala State Disaster Management Authority reported significant infrastructural damage, with 15 houses completely collapsed and 218 partially damaged. The heavy rains have also led to severe flooding in urban areas such as Kochi and Aluva, where inadequate drainage exacerbated waterlogging issues. Local residents criticised the Aluva Municipality for not maintaining the drainage systems adequately, which contributed to the severe inundation.
Authorities have mobilised efforts to address the crisis. Two National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams are stationed in the state, and local agencies, including the fire force, police, and revenue departments, are on high alert. The state has also established 223 relief camps in Kozhikode, Malappuram, Ernakulam, and Thiruvananthapuram districts, currently housing displaced residents.
In response to the health risks posed by the flooding, a state control room has been set up within the health department directorate in Thiruvananthapuram to bolster epidemic prevention activities. The government is keen on preventing any outbreaks that could arise from the stagnating floodwaters and the disruption of sanitation services. The current situation underscores the urgency for robust infrastructure planning and disaster preparedness in Kerala, particularly as climate change intensifies weather patterns. The state must balance immediate relief efforts with long-term strategies to fortify its resilience against such recurrent natural calamities.
As Kerala continues to battle these pre-monsoon rains, the collective efforts of the government, local authorities, and the community will be crucial in minimising the damage and safeguarding lives.
