Heavy rainfall likely in Kerala; IMD issues La Nina caution

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Indian meteorological department has predicted heavy rains in the state till October of this year. Meteorological Center Director Nita K Gopal pointed out the La Niña phenomenon to be the reason behind the continuous rainfall.

A La Niña is a periodic cooling of sea-surface temperatures across the east-central equatorial Pacific. Despite the heavy rain warning, the central director dismissed any worrying situation and asked people not to worry. The Director stated that the people should strictly follow the warnings of the Meteorological Department.

Heavy rain following cloudburst is also possible in September. Chances of this remain in the state. A large amount of rain in a short time can cause flash flooding. Landslides can also happen in hilly regions.

Landslides occur when more water enters the soil than its storage capacity, increasing the pressure underground as the groundwater level increases. It is more likely to occur in hilly areas with a slope of more than 22 degrees. People in these regions have been asked to strictly follow the updates from government officials and IMD.