Kerala heading for fresh spell of heavy rain, predicts IMD

Thiruvananthapuram, Aug 12 (AHN) Kerala, still counting the human and material losses from the recent deluge that left 23 people dead and three fishermen missing, is bracing for another spell of heavy rain, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) warning that rainfall activity is likely to intensify over the coming days.

The fresh warning that came on Wednesday evening has caused concern in a state where swollen rivers and reservoirs had already triggered flooding in several areas, leaving thousands grappling with inundated homes, damaged roads, and destroyed livelihoods.

Crops spread across more than 9,000 hectares were damaged in the recent rains, adding to the mounting economic losses.

The IMD said a low-pressure area has formed over the Bay of Bengal near the West Bengal-Bangladesh coast and is likely to strengthen in the coming days.

Another low-pressure area continues to persist over Madhya Pradesh.

The combined influence of these systems is expected to bring more rain to Kerala. Isolated showers, particularly over the hilly regions, are likely, while rainfall is expected to spread to more areas on Thursday and the day after.

The IMD has issued a yellow alert for Kannur and Kasaragod on Thursday and for Pathanamthitta, Kottayam, and Idukki on Friday, warning of isolated heavy rainfall.

Heavy rain, according to the IMD, means rainfall between 64.5 mm and 115.5 mm in 24 hours.

The fresh spell is likely to keep the administration on its toes, particularly in areas where rivers and dams had recently witnessed sharp rises in water levels.

Authorities are also expected to closely monitor landslide-prone and low-lying areas as the rains return.

Adding to the concern, the National Centre for Coastal Research has warned of high waves and possible sea incursions along parts of the Kerala coast owing to the Kallakkadal phenomenon.

Waves reaching 1 to 1.6 metres are likely along the Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Alappuzha, Ernakulam, and Thrissur coasts until 2.30 a.m. on August 13.

Fishermen and coastal residents have been advised to exercise extreme caution.

Small boats should not venture into the sea, while even bringing vessels ashore during periods of strong waves has been described as hazardous.

Beach tourism and other coastal activities have also been ordered to be avoided until the warning is withdrawn.

With three fishermen from the previous disaster still missing and rescue agencies continuing their search, the prospect of another intense spell of rain has added a fresh layer of anxiety to a state yet to recover from the earlier deluge.