77.5 millimetres of rain recorded within 45 minutes; heavy thunderstorm is likely, says IMD

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Heavy rains lashed the capital city, causing waterlogging in several areas. 77.5 millimetres of rain was recorded in Thiruvananthapuram city within just 45 minutes. Areas like Thampanoor, Chalai, and Vanchiyoor were severely affected by flooding. The city currently remains under overcast skies, and there is a chance of heavy lightning, according to the weather research centre. The public has been advised to stay alert.

At Vanchiyoor Junction, water levels rose so high that it entered the police station and the court premises. The heavy downpour continued for nearly an hour, leading to severe waterlogging. Commuters, especially those on two-wheelers, struggled in the rain. Incomplete maintenance work on the city’s drains worsened the situation, preventing water from draining properly. Though a rain warning had been issued earlier, the intensity of the rainfall was unexpected.

Due to lightning and bad weather, several flights scheduled to land at Thiruvananthapuram International Airport were diverted. Two Air India Express flights were rerouted due to the poor weather. The flight from Mumbai to Thiruvananthapuram was diverted to Coimbatore Airport in Tamil Nadu. Another Air India Express flight from Bengaluru to Thiruvananthapuram landed in Kochi instead.

Meanwhile, the weather department predicts the possibility of rain in the state over the next five days. However, no specific alerts have been issued for any district. Today’s forecast highlighted that isolated heavy rains accompanied by lightning are possible in all 14 districts of Kerala. Along with rain, strong winds reaching speeds of 50 kmph are also expected, and the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has urged the public to remain cautious. Widespread summer showers were reported across the state the previous day.