Questions raised over IMD rain warnings as heavy rain batters Kerala

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Questions have been raised over the accuracy and timing of rain warnings issued for Kerala after heavy rain caused widespread flooding and landslides across the state on Saturday. Although authorities had promised better forecasting systems and improved preparedness after the devastating floods in previous years, critics say the warnings once again failed to reflect the severity of the rainfall.

On Friday, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) had issued an Orange Alert for Pathanamthitta, Kottayam, Idukki, Ernakulam, Thrissur, Palakkad, Malappuram, Kozhikode and Wayanad for Saturday. An Orange Alert generally indicates rainfall between 115 mm and 204 mm and calls for preparedness and immediate action.

However, intense rainfall within a short period submerged several areas, including Ranni in Pathanamthitta district, and caused flooding even in urban areas. Critics said the flood risk was underestimated. The IMD's weather bulletin issued at 9 pm on Friday did not include a Red Alert for any district. Even the updated advisory issued at 10 pm retained only the Orange Alert. The weather department later said it had issued a warning at 11.15 pm indicating rainfall of Red Alert intensity.

Despite this, Red Alerts for districts including Pathanamthitta and Idukki were officially announced only at 7 am on Saturday, by which time heavy rain had already caused widespread damage.

Over 100 mm rainfall recorded in six districts

According to IMD data, six districts recorded more than 100 mm of rainfall on Saturday. Flooding, landslides and soil erosion were reported mainly in Pathanamthitta district, where six major rivers were flowing above normal levels. The rivers include the Muvattupuzha, Kallada, Meenachil, Manimala, Pamba and Achankovil. Authorities have advised people living along riverbanks to remain alert and move to safer places if necessary.

Rainfall recorded:

Idukki: 213 mm
Pathanamthitta: 162 mm
Malappuram: 158 mm
Kottayam: 133 mm
Palakkad: 110 mm
Wayanad: 107 mm

Low-pressure trough behind heavy rain

The IMD said the widespread rain was caused by a strong low-pressure trough extending from the south Gujarat coast. Normally, such a weather system brings 70 mm to 110 mm of rainfall, which was why an Orange Alert had initially been issued. However, strong winds intensified the system, pushing rainfall well above 120 mm in several areas. The weather department has warned that the same system could continue to bring isolated heavy rainfall and winds of up to 60 kmph in Kerala's hilly regions until August 6.

Only Yellow Alert in effect

As of Saturday evening, only a Yellow Alert remained in force for Pathanamthitta, Kottayam, Ernakulam, Idukki, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur and Kasaragod.