IMD issues orange alert for Kerala as heavy rain hits state
Disaster management authorities are monitoring conditions as low-pressure systems bring severe thunderstorms and disrupt rail services.
Heavy rainfall and intense thunderstorms have prompted the India Meteorological Department (IMD) to issue orange alerts across multiple districts in Kerala, with downpours expected to persist until 25 October.
A low-pressure area over the Bay of Bengal, coupled with a cyclonic circulation off the Tamil Nadu coast, is channeling strong moisture flows into the region. The state disaster management machinery has activated emergency protocols, placing relief teams on standby and coordinating with local administrative bodies to handle potential flash floods and landslides.
Rain forecasts and district alerts
Rainfall intensity is expected to peak over the coming days as a secondary low-pressure system develops over the Bay of Bengal around 23 October. Authorities have outlined a day-by-day forecast of districts facing orange alerts, which signify expected rainfall between 115.6 mm and 204.4 mm within 24 hours.
| Date | Districts under orange alert | Alert details |
|---|---|---|
| 22 October | Ernakulam, Thrissur, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur | Very heavy rain, lightning and gusty winds |
| 23 October | Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Kottayam, Idukki, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur, Kasaragod | 9 districts affected |
| 24 October | Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Idukki, Ernakulam, Thrissur, Palakkad, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad | 10 districts affected |
| 25 October | Pathanamthitta, Kottayam, Idukki, Ernakulam, Thrissur, Palakkad, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur, Kasaragod | 11 districts affected |
By 26 October, weather conditions are expected to moderate slightly, with the IMD issuing a statewide yellow alert indicating heavy rain between 64.5 mm and 115.5 mm.
Transport and public safety measures
Overnight rains on Wednesday caused localized waterlogging in central Travancore and southern Kerala. Along the Thiruvananthapuram-Nagercoil railway line, a minor landslip near Parassala station temporarily disrupted train traffic. Railway maintenance crews responded promptly to clear the tracks, allowing services along the section to resume by mid-morning.
The Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA) has instructed residents in low-lying coastal areas, riverbanks, and hill slopes to remain vigilant. Officials have prepared relief camps across vulnerable districts, advising families in high-risk zones to move to safer locations during daylight hours. Travel to waterfalls, rivers, and hilly terrain remains restricted until alerts are downgraded.
Key numbers
| What | Figure | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Orange alert rainfall range | 115.6 mm to 204.4 mm in 24 hours | India Meteorological Department |
| Yellow alert rainfall range | 64.5 mm to 115.5 mm in 24 hours | India Meteorological Department |
| Districts on orange alert on 25 October | 11 districts | Kerala State Disaster Management Authority |
In this story
| Name | Role in the story |
|---|---|
| India Meteorological Department | Issued weather alerts and rainfall predictions for Kerala. |
| Kerala State Disaster Management Authority | Issued public safety guidelines and organized relief camp preparedness. |
