The monsoon season has taken a harsh turn in the state of Kerala as Southwest winds have intensified and brought heavy rainfall in the last 24 hours. The India Meteorological Department has issued an orange alert for Kannur and Kasaragod districts, and placed several other districts under yellow alert. In response to the continuous rain, educational institutions in Kottayam and Devikulam panchayat have been given a holiday while other districts are facing damages due to flooding and mudslides. Stay updated with the latest updates on the Manorama Online App.
Monsoon Fury Pummels Kerala: Schools Closed, Alerts Issued
The monsoon season has lashed out with unprecedented fury in the southern Indian state of Kerala, bringing torrential downpours and unleashing a wave of devastation. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert for Kannur and Kasaragod districts, the highest level of warning, indicating the possibility of extremely heavy rainfall.
In response to the incessant downpour, educational institutions in Kottayam and Devikulam panchayat have been closed for the day. Other districts are grappling with the aftermath of flooding and mudslides, with roads blocked, bridges damaged, and power lines snapped.
The IMD warns that the monsoon is likely to continue unabated for the next few days, with intense rainfall expected over the Western Ghats. The orange alert for Kannur and Kasaragod has been extended until Tuesday, June 28, while a yellow alert remains in place for several other districts.
Background:
Kerala has been no stranger to monsoon-related disasters in the past. In 2018, the state witnessed its worst floods in a century, claiming hundreds of lives and causing widespread destruction. The monsoon season in Kerala typically lasts from June to September, with the heaviest rainfall occurring in July and August.
Impact:
The ongoing monsoon has already taken a significant toll on Kerala. Agricultural fields have been inundated, infrastructure damaged, and livelihoods disrupted. Thousands of people have been evacuated from their homes due to the threat of flooding and landslides.
Top 5 FAQs and Answers:
Q: What is an orange alert? A: An orange alert is the second highest level of warning issued by the IMD. It indicates that extremely heavy rainfall (204.5 mm to 404.5 mm) is likely to occur within 24 hours.
Q: What districts are under yellow alert? A: As of June 26, the following districts in Kerala are under yellow alert: Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Ernakulam, Thrissur, Palakkad, Malappuram, and Wayanad.
Q: Why is the monsoon so severe this year? A: The IMD has attributed the heavy rainfall to enhanced moisture carried by the southwest monsoon winds. A low-pressure system over the Arabian Sea has further intensified the rainfall.
Q: What are the safety precautions to take during heavy rainfall? A: Stay indoors, avoid crossing flooded areas, and never drive through water-logged roads. If you must go out, wear waterproof clothing and carry an umbrella or raincoat.
Q: What is the IMD's forecast for the coming days? A: The IMD predicts that the monsoon will continue over the next few days, with heavy to very heavy rainfall in isolated places. The orange alert for Kannur and Kasaragod is likely to remain in place for the next 24-48 hours.
Catch up on all the latest news and stories from India and around the world with our daily e-paper. Get a unique take on world affairs with our special Indian perspective. Stay updated with top highlights, technology stories, science news, reviews, and features from all over. Also, receive your weekly dose of jargon-free science and health tips from our expert writers. Plus, get the best reads from the world of books and cinema with our exclusive columns and reviews.
A team from Vantara, a wildlife conservation initiative founded by Anant Ambani, rushed to the aid of three elephants who ran amok during the 148th Jagannath Rath Yatra in Ahmedabad. The team provided emergency medical care and behavioral support to the distressed animals. This incident highlights the vital role Vantara plays in the welfare of rescued elephants, as they are equipped with the world's largest elephant care centre and advanced veterinary services. Their prompt action during the recent chaos has been praised by both local authorities and the Jagannath Temple Management.
A RTI inquiry filed by Godfrey Pimenta has revealed that 275 animals have died at Byculla Zoo in Mumbai between 2019 and 2025. The zoo claims that these deaths are not unusual and are primarily due to natural causes. However, recent reports about the deaths of three Humboldt penguins and the last elephant, Anarkali, have sparked concern and criticism. The zoo plans to expand its premises by 10 acres to accommodate its 388 current residents and further enhance its species diversity, including the recent addition of four rare gharials. While some species have seen significant declines in population, others such as Cockatiels, Royal Bengal Tigers, and Humboldt Penguins have seen an increase in numbers.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, currently in Brazil for the 17th BRICS Summit, took to social media to honor the sacrifice of Hazrat Imam Hussain on the solemn occasion of Ashoora-e-Muharram. The day is marked by millions of Muslims, both Shia and Sunni, who gather to pay homage to the martyrs of the Battle of Karbala, highlighting the values of courage, sacrifice, and unwavering determination in the face of oppression and tyranny. In Kashmir, a traditional Muharram procession was held on Friday, and it will be followed by another on Sunday, to commemorate the 10th day of the month which marks the martyrdom of Hazrat Imam Hussain and his companions.
The recent passing of actor Shefali Jariwala has raised questions about the safety of combining fasting with anti-aging supplements. Experts warn that it is essential to match supplements with absorption needs and body tolerance levels to avoid potential harm. Understanding timing and potential side effects is also crucial, as certain supplements can have adverse effects when taken on an empty stomach.
A major fire broke out at the Amul warehouse in Jamshedpur, destroying large quantities of goods and sparking panic in the area. Firefighters were immediately called in and a special rescue team was deployed due to the intensity of the fire. The cause of the fire is suspected to be a short circuit, and authorities are assessing the extent of the damages. No casualties have been reported so far, and residents have been advised to steer clear of the area.
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami participated in traditional paddy farming in Khatima and paid homage to farmers for their hard work and cultural significance. He also offered worship to God through Uttarakhand's "Hudkiya Baul" on the occasion. This gesture serves as an inspiration towards preserving the state's rural culture and highlights the importance of farmers and traditional folk arts. CM Dhami has been a vocal advocate for environmental conservation and even planted a tree on World Environment Day as part of an initiative to involve citizens in protecting the environment.
Hamilton residents, especially drivers, should take note of the 10 highway closures scheduled for roadwork on July 5, 2025. These closures, which include sections of Highway 403, Highway 6, Highway 8, Queen Elizabeth Way, and Red Hill Creek Expressway, are necessary for short-term or emergency repairs and maintenance. To avoid getting stuck in gridlock, plan your routes ahead and take note of lane closures and schedule adjustments.
This Pink Favorite Color Personality Test delves into the intriguing connection between a person's favorite color, pink, and their individual personality traits. It explores aspects such as temperament, work habits and suitable job fields, as well as the role of pink in relationships. It reveals that those who favor pink are empathetic, creative, and nurturing individuals who may struggle with boundaries and are highly influenced by their emotions. Whether it's in the workplace or in their personal lives, those who love pink radiate a warm, expressive, and non-aggressive energy.
The South Central Railway (SCR) has announced the operation of three special trains to cater to the expected surge in passenger traffic during the upcoming Ashadha Ekadashi festival. These single-journey trains will connect passengers to destinations, pilgrimage centers, and important towns in Maharashtra and Telangana. The first train will depart from Nanded and reach Adilabad in seven hours, while the second train will run from Jalna to Akola in eight and a half hours. These trains will provide amenities such as AC II Tier, AC III Tier, Sleeper Class, and General Second Class coaches for travelers en route.