Heavy damage in Kerala due to rains; residents from these districts should be especially careful today and tomorrow

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Indian Meteorological Department has announced that there is a possibility of rain in Kerala for the next five days. IMD has issued orange and yellow alerts in various districts. There is an orange alert in Pathanamthitta, Kottayam, Idukki and Malappuram districts today and in Malappuram, Kozhikode, Kannur and Kasaragod districts tomorrow. The possibility of very heavy rain has been predicted in isolated places. IMD defines Very Heavy Rainfall as 115.6 mm to 204.4 mm of rainfall in 24 hours.

Yellow Alert

18/10/2025: Ernakulam, Thrissur, Palakkad, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur, Kasaragod

19/10/2025: Pathanamthitta, Kottayam, Idukki, Ernakulam, Thrissur, Palakkad, Wayanad

20/10/2025: Pathanamthitta, Kottayam, Idukki, Ernakulam, Thrissur, Palakkad, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur, Kasaragod

21/10/2025: Pathanamthitta, Kottayam, Idukki, Ernakulam, Thrissur

22/10/2025: Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Kottayam, Idukki, Ernakulam, Thrissur

IMD has issued a yellow alert in the above districts. Isolated heavy rains are expected. IMD defines heavy rain (ISOL H) as a situation where 64.5 mm to 115.5 mm of rain is expected in 24 hours. Thunderstorms are expected.

The heavy rains last night caused heavy damage in the hilly region. Several houses and businesses were flooded, and vehicles were washed away following the heavy rains in the Idukki Highrange area. All 13 shutters of the Mullaperiyar dam spillway were opened following the rise in the water level. The heavy rains that fell last night caused extensive damage in the Kumily and Nedumkandam areas of Idukki. A stream overflowed its banks in Kumily.

Public Alert

• Those living in areas prone to landslides, mudslides, and flash floods should move to safer places as per the instructions of the authorities.

• Those living on riverbanks and downstream areas of dams should also anticipate the danger and move to safer places as per the instructions of the authorities.

• Those living in disaster-prone areas should definitely ensure that camps are open in their area and move there during the day. Local bodies and revenue authorities can be contacted for this.

• Those living in unsecured houses and those living in houses with weak roofs should be especially careful, as there is a possibility of strong winds. Those who foresee a dangerous situation should contact the authorities and move to safer places as part of safety precautions.

• The dangers that may arise due to trees and posts falling in the wind should also be taken into account. The precautionary measures to be taken during strong winds issued by the State Disaster Management Authority are available at the link https://sdma.kerala.gov.in/windwarning/