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.
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