Are you shocked that rain caused damage in Ernakulam, Kerala, despite the Indian Meteorological Department's 'Orange' alert?

 

The recent torrential rainfall in Ernakulam, Kerala, has resulted in substantial disruption and destruction. Let's get into the specifics.

Intense rainfall

The southwest monsoon intensified throughout Kerala's coast over the last 24 hours, resulting in heavy rainfall. This weather event was impacted by westerly winds.

For the districts of Kannur and Kasaragod, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert, meaning that severe to extremely heavy rainfall is anticipated

A yellow notice was issued for several more districts, suggesting that rain will persist in most areas.

Water levels and Dam Shutter Operations

Authorities raised the shutters of the Malankara, Pambla, and Kallarkutty dams in response to increasing waters.
Unfortunately, one rain-related fatality has been recorded in Alappuzha.

Educational Institutions and District Measurements

In Kottayam, the district collector declared a holiday for all educational institutions, including professional colleges, due to heavy rain since Tuesday night.
In a same vein, on Wednesday the Devikulam panchayat of Idukki shuttered its educational institutions

NDRF Deployment and Review Meetings

The Kerala government partnered with the Centre to deploy National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) units in nine districts: Ernakulam, Idukki, Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Malappuram, Kollam, Kozhikode, Thrissur, and Wayanad.
Kerala Revenue Minister K. Rajan convened a review meeting with district collectors to talk about issues pertaining to rainfall around the state.

Notable rainfall records

During this time, Kottayam received the most rainfall, totaling 103mm.
In certain locations, Kidangoor experienced the maximum rainfall of the season, measuring 199 mm in the past 24 hours.

Localized Damage

The constant rain caused waterlogging, uprooted trees, and overflowing water bodies in cities and villages throughout districts including Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Kottayam, and Ernakulam.
Notably, a piece of the "annadana mandapam" (dining hall) of the renowned Ochira Parabrahma Temple in Kollam fell owing to severe rains.

Despite the orange signal, the severity of these heavy rains emphasizes the necessity for ongoing awareness and readiness. Let us hope that everyone affected by this has a quick recovery and stays safe!🌧️🙏🏼🇮🇳