Record rain pummels Kerala; most districts on high alert
Heavy rains continue to lash parts of Kerala on Monday (November 15), affecting Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam and Kottayam districts, leading to the death of three people and widespread damage to property.
The India Meteorological Department has issued an Orange alert on Monday for the districts of Ernakulam, Idukki, Thrissur, Kozhikode, Kannur and Kasaragod districts of Kerala.
The state Disaster Management Authority informed that in the last 24 hours, the districts of Kollam, Kottayam, Thiruvananthapuram, Idukki and Thrissur were affected the most.
“In rainfall-related incidents across the state, one house was fully damaged, while 28 were partially damaged,” SDMA said adding that three lives, including that of two toddlers were lost in the last 24 hours.
Yesterday, two toddlers lost their lives in two different incidents in Kannur and Thrissur districts. A driver was killed in a mudslide incident that happened in Ernakulam district.
Also read: Heavy rain batters Kerala; rivers in spate, key roads submerged
As per the weatherman, Kerala has received 833.8 mm rain during the period of October 1 to 15, while the normal average rainfall was 407.2 mm. Pathanamthitta district received 194 per cent extra rain during this period, followed by Kannur, Kasaragod, Kozhikode districts showing 127, 116 and 111 per cent large excess departure.
On Sunday, the eastern part of Kollam district received heavy rainfall with the weather station at Punalur recording 11.7 cm rain in the last 24 hours. This resulted in swelling of major rivers and streams in the region affecting the areas of Pathanamthitta and Kollam district downstream towards the west.
Meanwhile, many varsities in the state have postponed the exams scheduled for Monday and Tuesday due to the incessant rain. And, the collectors of seven south central districts have declared holiday for all educational institutions including professional colleges.
“The cyclonic circulation over east central and adjoining southeast Arabian sea off Karnataka, north Kerala coasts extending up to mid tropospheric level persists,” the IMD said.
The authorities have warned fishermen not to venture into the sea, as strong winds with speed reaching 40-50 kmph gusting to 60 kmph, is likely to prevail over Kerala coast.
(With inputs from Agencies)
