THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Kerala received heavy rainfall in June, causing extensive damage in many places and flood-like situations in the major cities of Thiruvananthapuram and Kochi. Fortunately, the authorities intervened properly to avert the danger. Meanwhile, the state received comparatively less rainfall in the first week of July. However, it has been predicted that Kerala is likely to receive heavy rainfall from the end of July till September.

This year's summer season was warmer than usual due to the El Nino phenomenon. The El Niño is getting weaker and the La Niña, which is said to replace it, has not yet strengthened. According to weather experts, it is almost impossible to make predictions about La Niña. Neetha K Gopal, Kerala Director of the India Meteorological Department, said that if La Niña intensifies, the state could receive rain in August and September and there can be a situation similar to flooding. However, she said that there was no need to worry. She also said that Kerala's disaster management system is very good after Cyclone Ockhi.

International Meteorological Agencies had predicted that the El Nino phenomenon would end by the end of this year. In April this year, it was stated that El Nino had started to weaken. It was also predicted that the El Nino would end completely between June and August this year. However, the agencies also warned that the La Niña phenomenon is likely to gain strength during the same period.

Furthermore, if the La Nina phenomenon sets in by August, this year's monsoon in India will be stronger than last year. International authorities cautioned that changes may occur in this regard as it is almost impossible to make predictions about La Niña. As per the prediction made in April, if the La Nina phenomenon sets in, the country will receive extremely heavy rain from June to September.