Heavy Rains Batter Kerala: Two Lives Lost, Orange Alert Issued for Five Districts
Severe weather brings waterlogging and strong winds across the state as IMD warns of continued rainfall
Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala experienced intense rainfall and strong winds on Monday, leading to widespread waterlogging in low-lying areas and claiming two lives across the state.
In a tragic incident at Arthunkal coast in Alappuzha district, a fisherman lost his life after his boat overturned due to powerful winds. The victim, Paul Devasia, a local resident of Arthunkal, had ventured out to sea early in the morning. Despite being pulled from the water by fellow fishermen, he could not be saved and was declared dead.
In a separate incident near Angamaly, a migrant worker from West Bengal died after being struck by lightning. Kokhan Misthri, 45, who worked at a local workshop, was at his rented accommodation in Mukanoor when lightning struck around 8:15 in the morning, according to police reports.
The India Meteorological Department has declared an orange alert for five districts Kozhikode, Kasaragod, Kannur, Kottayam, and Pathanamthitta. These areas are expected to receive very heavy rainfall ranging between 115.6 mm and 204 mm in the next 24 hours.
Additionally, a yellow alert is in effect for seven other districts: Wayanad, Malappuram, Palakkad, Thrissur, Ernakulam, Idukki, and Alappuzha. These regions may witness moderate to heavy rainfall between 64.5 mm and 115.5 mm.
The northern districts bore the brunt of the morning downpour, with Kozhikode city reporting severe waterlogging. Several shops near the KSRTC bus station were flooded as rainwater entered the premises. The high-altitude areas of Malappuram and Kannur also recorded heavy rainfall, while coastal regions faced battering winds.
Central Kerala districts, including Ernakulam and Alappuzha, witnessed rainfall intensifying during morning hours. The severe weather damaged a section of the Aluva-Munnar road near Perumbavoor, forcing authorities to implement traffic restrictions in the affected zone.
Weather officials have forecast continued heavy rainfall on Tuesday and issued strong wind warnings for all districts across Kerala. Fishermen have been advised to avoid going out to sea due to dangerous conditions and rough waters.
