As weather worsens, 66 relief camps sheltering 1,894 people have been opened across Kerala. Nineteen camps were set up on 29 May alone, with more planned based on local needs
Published May 30, 2025 | 3:36 PM ⚊ Updated May 30, 2025 | 3:36 PM
Kerala on high alert as IMD warns of extremely heavy rains; red alert in 8 districts Photo: Supplied
Synopsis: Kerala faces intense rainfall as the IMD issues a red alert for eight districts on May 30, warning of downpours exceeding 204.4 mm in 24 hours. An orange alert is in place for six other districts, predicting very heavy rainfall. Authorities urge caution amid rising flood and landslide risks across the state
Kerala is bracing for a fresh wave of intense rainfall, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issuing a red alert for eight districts on Friday, 30 May, warning of extremely heavy rain exceeding 204.4 mm within 24 hours.
The red alert covers Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Idukki, Ernakulam, Thrissur, Kannur, and Kasaragod.
An orange alert, indicating very heavy rainfall between 115.6 mm and 204.4 mm at isolated places, has been sounded for Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Palakkad, Malappuram, Kozhikode, and Wayanad.
Several districts will remain under yellow alert for the next four days, with forecasts of heavy rain at isolated locations.
The alert schedule includes:
The IMD has cautioned of potential hazards such as flash floods, landslides, and waterlogging, particularly in low-lying and urban areas.
Residents in vulnerable locations, including hilly terrains and areas with a history of landslides or flooding, have been advised to move to safer places immediately.
Authorities have urged residents in houses with weak structures or fragile rooftops to shift to relief camps without delay.
Public cooperation has been sought to prevent casualties, with officials advising people to avoid unnecessary travel and remain updated through official alerts.
Revenue Minister K Rajan, addressing a press conference, warned that the ongoing heavy rains could intensify due to a strong low-pressure system over the northwest Bay of Bengal near the Odisha coast.
The system has already evolved into an extreme low-pressure area and is expected to intensify further before making landfall near the Bangladesh coast later today.
“Over the next five days, we must remain extremely cautious. People in hilly regions and landslide-prone zones should relocate immediately. If we act responsibly now, we can prevent a major crisis,” Minister Rajan said.
From 30 May to 5 June, the state is expected to receive heavy to very heavy rainfall, exceeding the seasonal average. Although a slight dip is expected in the second week of June, isolated heavy showers remain likely.
On Thursday, various parts of Kerala reported strong winds and heavy rain, with wind speeds reaching up to 54 kmph in Ponmudi.
Uprooted trees were reported in multiple areas, prompting local bodies to act under the Panchayat Raj Act to remove trees posing immediate threats.
In preparation for worsening conditions, 66 relief camps have been opened across the state, currently sheltering 1,894 individuals.
Nineteen new camps were set up on 29 May alone. District collectors have been directed to evaluate local needs and open additional camps where necessary.
Around 4,000 camps with a combined capacity of six lakh people have been kept on standby.
Preliminary damage reports from 29 May indicate seven homes were completely destroyed and 181 partially damaged, with numbers likely to increase as assessments progress.
Health Minister Veena George has emphasized the need for strict disease prevention measures in relief camps. She flagged the risks of outbreaks of dengue, leptospirosis, jaundice, diarrhoea, and a marginal rise in COVID-19 cases in the state.
The minister confirmed that the LF.7 variant of Omicron JN.1, previously seen in South East Asia, has been detected in Kerala.
While generally mild, the variant’s high transmission potential has led the government to enforce additional precautions.
Medical teams have been deployed to relief camps with adequate stock of essential medicines. Doxycycline is being provided to individuals exposed to floodwaters as a preventive measure against leptospirosis.
Hygiene measures, including boiled water usage, source disinfection, and mosquito control, are being rigorously implemented.
Those returning from camps have been advised to super chlorinate wells, clean their surroundings thoroughly, and remain vigilant against snake bites and electrical hazards.
As Kerala remains on high alert, officials continue to monitor the evolving weather situation closely, urging citizens to remain cautious and cooperate fully with safety advisories.
(Edited by Ananya Rao with inputs from Dileep V Kumar)
