'We issued alerts two days ahead': IMD denies lapse in rain warning as criticism mounts over Kerala flood response

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has denied allegations that it failed to issue timely warnings ahead of the heavy rains that caused widespread damage and hardship across Kerala, with IMD Director Neetha K. Gopal stating that all districts had been placed under alerts two days in advance.

Speaking on Sunday, Neetha said an Orange Alert had been issued for all districts based on forecasts of widespread rainfall. She said the flash floods occurred because water could not drain from hilly regions, leading to a rapid build-up of floodwaters.

She warned that the impact of the rains would continue in the coming days, noting that water levels had risen in several rivers across the state. Ensuring that streams and drainage channels remain free of obstructions was now the priority, she added.

Her remarks come amid growing criticism that only an Orange Alert was issued despite the possibility of extremely heavy rainfall. Critics have alleged that a warning indicating rainfall equivalent to Red Alert conditions was issued only after midnight, while an alert about river water levels rising to flood-like conditions was released only after 10 a.m. on Saturday, by which time several areas had already been inundated.

The state government has also come under fire over its handling of the flash flood situation. Allegations have been raised that there were serious lapses in coordinating relief operations at the government level, with particular criticism directed at the offices of the Chief Minister and the Revenue Minister.

Complaints have also emerged from relief camps, where residents have reportedly faced shortages of essential supplies. Food and medicines are said to be inadequate in several camps.

Meanwhile, CPI(M) Pathanamthitta district secretary Raju Abraham alleged that the state government had committed a serious lapse in issuing rain warnings in the district. Speaking to the media, he claimed the flooding was "government-sponsored" and alleged that no warning had been given before water was released from the Moozhiyar Dam.