Kochi, the commercial hub of Kerala, witnessed an extraordinary weather event on the morning of May 28, with relentless rainfall akin to a cloudburst, bringing normal life to a standstill. The meteorological phenomenon, driven by Cyclone Remal, unleashed intense downpours accompanied by strong winds, severely disrupting daily activities.
In a short span of a few hours, multiple areas in Kochi were submerged. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) escalated the weather alert for Ernakulam district from a yellow to a red warning, signalling the potential for extreme rainfall. Data from the automated weather station at the Cochin University of Science and Technology (Cusat) in Kalamassery recorded an astonishing 98.4 mm of rainfall in just one hour, nearing the threshold for classification as a cloudburst. The severe weather conditions left significant parts of Kochi, including key business districts, in disarray. The IT hub at Infopark Kochi in Thrikkakara bore the brunt of the deluge, with employees facing significant challenges navigating through knee-deep water. Critical roadways, such as the national highway stretch between Palarivattom and Vytilla, and the Civil Line Road, experienced severe traffic congestion, stranding motorists for hours. The already disrupted highway conditions due to ongoing widening projects further exacerbated the situation.
The local administration has been proactive in response, with Fire and Rescue Services personnel working tirelessly to address numerous distress calls, primarily concerning uprooted trees. An emergency relief camp has been established in Kakkanad to support families affected by soil erosion in Keerelimala. The IMD has forecast continued heavy rainfall for the next few days, attributing it to the intensified westerly winds bringing increased moisture from the Arabian Sea. Authorities are urging residents to exercise caution and remain vigilant as the region braces for further adverse weather conditions.
