Kerala Monsoon Alert: Heavy Rain Batters Sabarimala Region as Three Weather Stations Exceed 100mm
Torrential monsoon downpours continue to disrupt normal life across Kerala, with the southern district of Pathanamthitta placed on high alert following relentless rainfall in the Sabarimala shrine catchment areas. According to official data released by the India Meteorological Department (IMD), three key weather stations in the state recorded rainfall figures exceeding the 100mm mark overnight.
The active southwest monsoon conditions have triggered flash flood warnings, rising river levels, and severe waterlogging, prompting district administrations across the state to declare a holiday for educational institutions and initiate emergency disaster protocols.
Several other monitoring locations recorded significant rainfall exceeding 60mm. Laha in Pathanamthitta recorded 87.0mm, Thycattussery in Alappuzha registered 80.0mm, Neriamangalam in Ernakulam saw 75.0mm, and Ulanadu in Pathanamthitta received 74.5mm. The sustained deluge has saturated soil levels across the Western Ghats region, multiplying the threat of landslides and surface runoff.
Water levels in the Pamba River and its tributaries have risen steadily, putting low-lying residential belts in Ranni, Kozhencherry, and nearby taluks under immediate flood risk. State authorities directed residents living near riverbanks and prone low-lying hamlets to shift to designated relief camps or safer locations without delay.
In response to the continuing rain and waterlogging risks, district collectors across most parts of Kerala including Pathanamthitta, Kannur, Ernakulam, Idukki, and Kottayam declared a complete closure for schools, colleges, and anganwadis.
Emergency response teams, including the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), remain stationed in vulnerable zones to execute evacuations if water levels breach critical thresholds. Fishermen have also been advised to avoid venturing into coastal waters due to strong surface winds and rough sea conditions.
The active southwest monsoon conditions have triggered flash flood warnings, rising river levels, and severe waterlogging, prompting district administrations across the state to declare a holiday for educational institutions and initiate emergency disaster protocols.
Weather Stations Cross 100mm Threshold
Data compiled by the IMD between Sunday morning and Monday morning highlighted intense precipitation patterns across central and southern districts. Venkurinji in Pathanamthitta registered the highest rainfall in the state at 104.5mm. It was closely followed by two locations in the hilly Idukki district Udumbannoor recording 103.0mm and Cheruthoni registering 101.5mm.You may also like
- Jantar Mantar no longer ideal location for protest site? SC hears PIL seeking alternative venue
- Supreme Court to review plea on Sansad Chalo minors' arrests
- Karnataka Cabinet set for major expansion today; 20 ministers to take oath - Full list
- SC declines to revisit FIR order on Thakur's 'goli maaro' remark
- Assam government sends ₹15,000 to 62,696 flood-hit families for cleanup
Several other monitoring locations recorded significant rainfall exceeding 60mm. Laha in Pathanamthitta recorded 87.0mm, Thycattussery in Alappuzha registered 80.0mm, Neriamangalam in Ernakulam saw 75.0mm, and Ulanadu in Pathanamthitta received 74.5mm. The sustained deluge has saturated soil levels across the Western Ghats region, multiplying the threat of landslides and surface runoff.
Sabarimala Pilgrimage Regulations and Rising River Levels
The persistent downpour in the upper reaches of the Sabarimala forest range has raised serious safety concerns for pilgrims visiting the famous hill shrine. The Travancore Devaswom Board and police authorities issued advisories regulating the movement of pilgrim vehicles at key transit points such as Nilakkal and Erumeli. Access toward the Pampa riverbank has been restricted to protect devotees from sudden flash surges.Water levels in the Pamba River and its tributaries have risen steadily, putting low-lying residential belts in Ranni, Kozhencherry, and nearby taluks under immediate flood risk. State authorities directed residents living near riverbanks and prone low-lying hamlets to shift to designated relief camps or safer locations without delay.
Government Response and Administrative Safety Measures
Kerala Tourism Minister P.C. Vishnunadh arrived in Pathanamthitta to lead on-ground disaster mitigation and relief coordination alongside local elected representatives and district officials. Meanwhile, Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan convened a high-level emergency meeting with district collectors to assess damage, relief camp arrangements, and medical readiness.In response to the continuing rain and waterlogging risks, district collectors across most parts of Kerala including Pathanamthitta, Kannur, Ernakulam, Idukki, and Kottayam declared a complete closure for schools, colleges, and anganwadis.
Emergency response teams, including the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), remain stationed in vulnerable zones to execute evacuations if water levels breach critical thresholds. Fishermen have also been advised to avoid venturing into coastal waters due to strong surface winds and rough sea conditions.
Loving Newspoint? Download the app now
