In response to the intense overnight rainfall caused by a slow-moving, well-defined low-pressure system hovering over central India, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has heightened its rain alert for Kerala. A red alert has been activated for eight districts, namely Idukki, Kottayam, Pathanamthitta, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur, and Kasaragod, anticipating extreme downpours within the next 24 hours.
As for other regions, an orange alert has been issued for Thrissur, Palakkad, and Ernakulam, indicating significant rainfall ahead. Meanwhile, the remaining districts—Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, and Alappuzha—are under a yellow alert, which forecasts isolated instances of heavy rain.
The situation escalated late Friday night (July 31), as heavy rain flooded extensive areas across the state. The highest rainfall was recorded in Laha, Pathanamthitta, which received a staggering 236 mm from 8:30 a.m. Friday to 5:30 a.m. Saturday. Other noteworthy rainfall totals include 182.5 mm in Venkurinji, Pathanamthitta and 171.5 mm in Neriamangalam, Ernakulam.
In light of the severe rainfall, the authorities have opened the shutters of the Aruvikkara and Neyyar dams to manage the substantial inflow from the catchment areas. Residents near the dams and along the riverbanks are being urged to stay alert due to rising water levels.
Due to the Neyyar Dam’s water level exceeding the third warning level, four of its shutters were raised by 20 cm each (totaling 80 cm) at 7:30 a.m. Saturday. Similarly, four shutters of the Aruvikkara dam were raised by 40 cm each (totaling 200 cm including previous adjustments) at 6:30 a.m.
Thiruvananthapuram District Collector Anu Kumari has advised residents in the dam’s vicinity and those living along the riverbanks to maintain vigilance as the situation develops.
