An early and intense onset of the southwest monsoon has plunged Kerala into a state of emergency, with Kozhikode among the worst-affected districts.
Continuous torrential rains, accompanied by gusty winds, have disrupted transportation, inundated low-lying areas, and inflicted significant agricultural losses across the state. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for Kozhikode, Kannur, and Wayanad districts, forecasting extremely heavy rainfall over the next 48 hours. The IMD’s latest bulletin warns of isolated extremely heavy rainfall in Kerala and Mahe from May 27 to 30, with gusty winds reaching 40-50 km/h.
Rail and road networks have been severely affected. In Kozhikode, uprooted trees and fallen electric lines have obstructed the Kozhikode-Areekode railway route, causing delays to several trains, including the Vande Bharat and Parasuram Express. Authorities worked for hours to clear the tracks and restore normal train traffic. Agricultural sectors have suffered substantial losses. In Wayanad, 242.74 hectares of farmland have been destroyed due to rains and flooding. Similarly, in Kozhikode district, agricultural crops in 101.47 hectares have been lost.
The relentless downpour has also led to rising water levels in rivers, prompting flood alerts. In Kozhikode, the Korapuzha River has been placed under an orange alert, with authorities warning residents to avoid venturing into the river under any circumstances. The state government has opened multiple relief camps to accommodate those displaced by the floods. In Wayanad alone, over 690 people have been shifted to relief camps. Similar evacuations have taken place in Kozhikode, with residents from low-lying areas being moved to safer locations.
The IMD forecasts that the heavy rainfall will continue in Kerala until June 1, with isolated extremely heavy rainfall likely over the next few days. Residents are advised to remain vigilant and follow the guidelines issued by the State Disaster Management Authority. As Kerala grapples with the monsoon’s fury, the focus remains on ensuring the safety of its residents and mitigating the impact on agriculture and infrastructure. The state authorities are on high alert, coordinating efforts to manage the crisis and provide relief to those affected.
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