Intensified Monsoon Hits Kerala with Widespread Rains and Mudslides

The southwest monsoon has intensified, causing widespread rains across Kerala. Northern districts such as Wayanad and Kozhikode have experienced significant rain and wind damage, including mudslides and uprooted trees. Authorities have initiated relief measures, including opening dam shutters and declaring holidays for educational institutions.

After a brief lull, the southwest monsoon intensified on Monday, leading to widespread rains across several parts of Kerala. The downpour triggered isolated incidents of mudslides in the region.

Since Sunday night, incessant rainfall and gusty winds have pounded the northern districts of Wayanad and Kozhikode. Mudslides were reported in the plantation area of Mundakkai in Wayanad, forcing many families in Puthumala to move to relief camps.

Meanwhile, in the high ranges of Kozhikode district, gusty winds caused extensive destruction. Many trees were uprooted, and several houses were damaged in the Thamarassery and Ambayathodu regions on Monday morning. ''At least seven houses were damaged as huge trees fell upon them. The power supply was also widely disrupted,'' a resident reported.

In response to the heavy rains, district authorities announced that the shutters of Pathazhakund Dam in Thrissur, and Peppara and Aruvikkara Dams in Thiruvananthapuram, would be raised to release excess water. Considering the continuous rainfall, a holiday for all educational institutions in Thrissur district has been declared for Tuesday.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued an orange alert, predicting very heavy rainfall in the northern districts, including Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur, and Kasaragod. According to the latest radar imagery, moderate to intense rainfall with winds gusting up to 40 kmph is expected in Malappuram, Kozhikode, Idukki, Ernakulam, Wayanad, and Kannur in the coming hours. Disaster management authorities warned that water logging on major roads and poor visibility could lead to traffic congestion and that uprooted trees might damage power infrastructure. The rainfall could also cause adverse impacts on humans and livestock and damage unsecured structures along the coastline.

(With inputs from agencies.)