Kerala to set up its own system to predict extreme rain

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: In the wake of the landslides in Wayanad, the state will set up a system to predict extreme rains that are likely to cause disasters like landslides and floods. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said that the state government has entrusted the Climate Change Study Centre in Kottayam for this purpose.

At present, rainfall is predicted by depending on central agencies such as the India Meteorological Department, Central Water Commission and Geological Survey of India. However, these agencies face challenges in accurately predicting extreme rainfall in the state. They generally predict average rainfall using a common global database and set criteria.

Extreme rainfall is the primary cause of most natural disasters in the state. Natural disasters such as floods, landslides, storms, and cyclones have struck the state several times in recent years.

The Climate Change Study Centre in Kottayam will be asked to develop model standards based on Kerala's nature. This Centre will be provided with manpower and facilities to conduct such studies specifically for Kerala.