Kerala braces for torrential rain, coastal flooding, red warnings in five districts

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Kerala is on high alert this weekend as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued red warnings for five northern districts, warning of intense rainfall, turbulent seas and possible coastal flooding. Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur and Kasaragod are expected to receive very heavy to extremely heavy rain on Sunday, June 15, while the rest of the state remains under an orange warning. Further, Malappuram and Kozhikode will remain on red warning until June 17.

The current weather activity is being caused by an upper air cyclonic circulation over north interior Karnataka and Marathwada, along with a trough extending from the west-central Arabian Sea to coastal Andhra Pradesh. An additional cyclonic circulation over the west-central Bay of Bengal, off the Andhra coast, is also contributing to the rainfall. Strong westerly winds at the lower levels over Kerala and Lakshadweep are intensifying the downpour, which is expected to continue for at least five more days.

Coastal and marine warnings

The Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS) has issued a high-wave warning for the Kerala coast, in effect until 8:30 PM on Sunday. Waves are expected to range from 2.8 to 3.5 meters along coastal districts including Alappuzha, Ernakulam, Kannur, Kasaragod, Kollam, Kozhikode, Malappuram, Thiruvananthapuram, and Thrissur.

Squally weather, with wind speeds of 40–50 kmph and gusts up to 60 kmph, is forecast along the coast through June 18.

The Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA) has advised extreme caution in marine zones and urged the public to avoid all beachside activities and refrain from entering the sea.

Red Warning Zones for Coastal Flooding (June 16):

• Kozhikode: Chombala FH to Ramanattukara (11.30 am – 8.30 pm)
  
  

• Kannur: Valapattanam to New Mahe (5.30 am – 8.30 pm)
  
  

• Kasaragod: Kunjathur to Kottakkunnu (2.30 am – 8.30 pm)
  
  

Orange Warning Zones (Until 8.30 pm, June 16):

• Thiruvananthapuram: From Kappil to Poovar
  
  

• Kollam: From Alappad to Edava
  
  

• Alappuzha: From Chellanam to Azhikkal Jetty
  
  

• Ernakulam: From Munambam FH to Maruvakkad
  
  

• Thrissur: From Aatupuram to Kodungallur
  
  

• Malappuram: From Kadalundi Nagar to Palappetti
  
  

A special flood warning has been issued for Pallikkal River in Kollam district as water levels continue to rise.“Residents on the banks of Pallikkal river must remain vigilant. A yellow warning has been issued at the Anayadi irrigation station. Do not cross rivers or enter them under any circumstance. Be prepared to evacuate flood-prone areas based on instructions from authorities,” KSDMA warned.

The KSDMA has issued a detailed set of safety measures for residents in low-lying and coastal areas. People are urged to:

• Follow evacuation instructions from local authorities.
  
  

• Refrain from launching fishing vessels or small boats.
  
  

• Avoid all beach activities and recreational outings near the sea.
  
  

• Stay away from the shoreline due to risk of coastal erosion.
  
  

• Never attempt to cross rivers or enter flood-prone areas.
  
  

All sea-bound and coastal operations should remain suspended until INCOIS officially lifts the warning.

Rainfall over the 24 hours ending Saturday morning shows Thennala (Malappuram) receiving the highest at 10 cm. Kollam, Kunnamkulam, and Vilangankunnu followed with 9 cm each. Other significant figures include 7–8 cm of rain recorded in Mavelikkara, Laha, Thiruvananthapuram (city and airport), Punalur, Vellanikkara, Neyyattinkara, Cherthala, and Ernakulam South.