Kerala monsoon arrives early after 16 years; heavy rain, red alerts, and strong winds expected. Public urged to stay alert.
The India Meteorological Department has announced that the monsoon has arrived in Kerala. This is the earliest monsoon onset in the last sixteen years. In 2009, the monsoon had arrived on May 23. Normally, the monsoon reaches Kerala by June 1. However, this year it has arrived a week early. With the arrival of the monsoon, there is a possibility of extremely heavy rainfall in the state today.
Widespread Rain and Wind Expected Across All Districts Today
There is a high possibility of widespread rain and wind across all districts today. Due to the likelihood of extremely heavy rainfall, a Red Alert has been declared for Kannur and Kasaragod districts today. For tomorrow, Red Alerts are in place for Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur, and Kasaragod districts. On the 26th, Pathanamthitta, Idukki, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur, and Kasaragod will also be under Red Alert.
Rainfall is expected to exceed 204.4 mm in 24 hours. Yellow Alerts are in effect today for Pathanamthitta, Kottayam, Ernakulam, Idukki, Thrissur, Palakkad, Malappuram, Kozhikode, and Wayanad. Due to the risk of landslides, mudslides, and flash floods in hilly regions receiving heavy rain, residents are advised to remain cautious and move to safer locations.
Over the next week, strong westerly and northwesterly winds are expected over Kerala. A low-pressure area formed over the east-central Arabian Sea, above the coastal regions of North Karnataka and Goa, has strengthened and is expected to develop into a deep depression within 24 hours as it moves north. Another low-pressure system is likely to form over the northern Bay of Bengal around the 27th.
Heavy to extremely heavy rainfall is expected until the 27th. Due to the ‘Kallakkadal’ (swell wave) phenomenon, the National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS) has warned of high waves ranging from 0.5 to 1.9 meters and possible sea intrusion along the Kerala coast till 8:30 AM today. Similar conditions are likely along the Kanyakumari coast. Fishing along the Kerala coast is prohibited until the 27th.
Significant Damage Reported
Heavy rain and strong winds over the past few days have caused widespread damage across Kerala. In Neyyattinkara (Thiruvananthapuram), a tree fell on a house, damaging its roof. In Kariyavattom, the Greenfield Stadium roof was damaged by strong winds, which reached speeds of 59 km/h in Thiruvananthapuram last night.
In Kollam, a tree fell and damaged the roof of Vellani Government LP School. In Punalur, Kollam, a tree fell on a house. Kodiyathur and Cheruvadi in Kozhikode also reported heavy damages. In Attappadi, there has been no electricity for 24 hours as a tree fell on a 33 kV line due to strong winds and rain.
The storm that began yesterday evening caused significant destruction in Kozhikode’s hilly areas. Trees fell on electric poles, disrupting power supply in many regions. Meanwhile, in Kanjirappuzha (Thrissur), a boat overturned during sand mining, leaving two people missing.
The missing persons have been identified as Santhosh and Pradeepan, laborers from Padanna. The incident happened near Kottappuram Kotta Kayal. Ajesh and Baiju, who were also in the boat, managed to swim to safety. The incident occurred around 2 AM today, likely due to strong wind and rain.
Kodungallur police, Azhikode coastal police, and local residents have launched a search operation. Due to the continued heavy rainfall, Red Alerts remain in effect for Kannur and Kasaragod. Orange Alerts have been issued in nine districts: Pathanamthitta, Kottayam, Ernakulam, Idukki, Thrissur, Palakkad, Malappuram, Kozhikode, and Wayanad. Yellow Alerts are in place for Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, and Alappuzha.
In Thiruvananthapuram, widespread damage has been reported due to intense rain and wind. Waterlogging was observed in many low-lying areas. In front of the Medical College, a tree broke and injured a person from Kollam, who has been admitted to the ICU at the Medical College Hospital. Twelve houses were completely destroyed, and more than 30 houses were partially damaged.
In Neyyattinkara and Kattakada taluks, over 100 locations reported fallen trees, disrupting transportation. With electric poles damaged, power outages occurred in several areas, many of which have not yet been restored. In Perumbazhathoor, two trees fell on the house of a man named Kuttappan, but the family, including children, escaped unharmed. Traffic disruptions due to fallen trees were also reported in Chempazhanthy, Pachalloor, Chavadinada, Venganoor, Panathura, and Kamaleswaram.
Continued Monsoon Risk
The early days of the monsoon are expected to bring intense rainfall. Tomorrow, Red Alerts will remain for Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur, and Kasaragod. Orange Alerts are in effect from Pathanamthitta to Palakkad. Areas with consistent rainfall should remain highly alert. Fishing is banned along the Kerala and Lakshadweep coasts, and a Black Sea (Kallakkadal) warning has been issued for the Kerala coast.
Temporary Ban on Quarry Operations
Due to the Red Alert and continued heavy rainfall in Kozhikode, the Collector has temporarily banned all quarry operations, including earth excavation, well construction, and sand mining. Entry to all riversides, beaches, waterfalls, and water bodies in the district is also temporarily prohibited. The public has been advised to avoid non-essential travel to hilly and ghat regions from 7 PM to 7 AM due to the risk of landslides. Control rooms are active in all districts and taluks across Kerala.
For assistance, contact emergency helplines: 1077, 1070.