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Heavy rains lash Kerala, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu; NH-66 damaged

IMD on Monday forecasted widespread rainfall across Kerala for the next five days as two cyclonic circulations influence the region’s weather.

South First Desk

Published Jun 17, 2025 | 2:35 PM ⚊ Updated Jun 17, 2025 | 2:35 PM

Part of NH 66 partially collapsed in Kerala

Part of NH 66 partially collapsed in Kerala. (Screengrab)

Synopsis: Heavy monsoon rains lashed Kerala, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu, causing landslides and road collapses, especially on NH 66. Kerala faces strong winds and continued rain due to twin cyclonic systems. Karnataka and Tamil Nadu recorded very/extremely heavy rainfall. Telangana is forecasted to receive rain and thunderstorms in coming days, with alerts issued for several districts. Authorities urge caution and preparedness.

With the monsoon intensifying across south Indian states, Kerala and Karnataka received very heavy rainfall, while extremely heavy rainfall  lashed Tamil Nadu on Monday, 16 June.

The India Meteorological Department on Monday forecasted widespread rainfall across Kerala for the next five days as two cyclonic circulations influence the region’s weather.

A cyclonic circulation currently lies over South Gujarat and is likely to intensify into a depression within the next 24 hours. Another system persists over the North-West Bay of Bengal.

Under their combined influence, Kerala is expected to receive widespread rainfall, with isolated heavy showers likely on Monday and Tuesday, 16 and 17 June. The department has also warned of strong westerly winds, with gusts reaching speeds of 40-60 kmph over the state during this period.

Authorities have urged the public, especially those in coastal and hilly areas, to remain cautious.

The Indian Meteorological Department also shared the data of last 24 hours. “Observed Very Heavy Rainfall (in cm) over Kerala during past 24 hours till 0830 HRS IST of 17.06.2025.”

According to the IMD, in Kasaragod District, Panathur has recorded 14 cm of rain, while Muliyar and Hosdurg recorded 13 cm of rain.

While in Kannur District, Peringome, Chemberi, Cheruvanchery, and Taliparamba have recorded 12 cm of rain.

Damage to NH-66 

The Cherkala–Bevinje stretch of NH 66 has partially collapsed due to intense rainfall, forcing authorities to temporarily suspend all vehicular movement.

Following multiple reports of minor landslides and a high risk of severe ones, the District disaster management authority issued the order based on IMD warnings and on-site inspections.

Only ambulances and emergency service vehicles will be allowed. Police have been directed to divert traffic from the affected areas. Residents have been urged to stay alert and avoid landslide-prone zones. Traffic will resume only after safety inspections confirm stability.

Authorities have further urged residents in landslide-prone hilly areas and low-lying flood zones to relocate to safer places. Those living in structurally weak houses have also been advised to take precautionary steps. The public is warned against travelling to waterfalls, rivers, or waterbodies, and is advised to avoid unnecessary travel during heavy rainfall.

In view of potential disasters, local bodies have been directed to set up relief camps in advance. KSDMA has also recommended preparing emergency kits and staying updated through official channels.

For assistance, citizens can contact the control rooms at 1077 or 1070.

The IMD has said that alerts may be revised based on changing weather patterns. Detailed disaster preparedness guidelines can be accessed in the Orange Book of Disaster Management – 2024.

Also Read: Hyderabad and parts of Telangana affected by intense rain

Karnataka and Tamil Nadu

Meanwhile the IMD has also released the rainfall data for Tamil Nadu and Karnataka for the last 24 hours.

Karnataka observed very heavy rainfall, with Gersoppa of Uttara Kannada district recording 17 cm rainfall, Agumbe of Shivamogga recording 14 cm of rainfall, Bhagamandala of Kodagu recording 19 cm of rainfall, and Siddapura of Uddipi recording 13 cm of rainfall.

On the other hand Tamil Nadu has seen extremely heavy rainfall according to the IMD.

Sharing the data on X, they wrote: “Observed Extremely Heavy Rainfall (in cm) over Tamil Nadu, during past 24 hours till 0830 HRS IST of 17.06.2025”

Avalanche of Nilgiris district recorded 21 cm of rainfall on Monday.

Also Read: Rain-related incidents claim four lives in Kerala

Telangana rain forecast 

The IMD has predicted heavy rains in the Telugu states in the next two to five days.

According to Hyderabad Meteorological centre, Light to  moderate rains or thunderstorms are very likely to occur at isolated places over Telangana for next five days.

The forecast further noted that, thunderstorm accompanied with lightning are very likely to occur at isolated places over Jayashankar Bhupalapally, Mulugu, Bhadradri Kothagalem, Khamman, Nalgonda and Suryapet districts, in the next two days.

Also Read: IMD issues red alert in five districts in Kerala

(Edited by Sumavarsha)

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