Thiruvananthapuram, 03 August (H.S):Kerala’s sudden transition from a prolonged rainfall deficit to extreme downpours, flash floods and landslides in the first week of August has renewed concerns over the State’s vulnerability to increasingly unpredictable weather.
Pathanamthitta and Kozhikode were among the worst-hit districts, recording exceptionally heavy rainfall within a short period. The downpour claimed lives, triggered landslides, inundated low-lying areas and forced thousands of residents to move to relief camps.
During the 24 hours ending August 1, Vadasserikkara in Pathanamthitta recorded 361 mm of rainfall, while Laha received 250 mm. Anakkampoyil in Kozhikode received around 340 mm over a 35-hour period, highlighting the intensity and concentrated nature of the rain.
The torrential downpour created dangerous conditions along the Western Ghats, where waterlogged and unstable slopes became increasingly susceptible to landslides. Several landslips were reported as rain continued to pound vulnerable areas.
At least eight people were killed in rain-related incidents, while eight others were reported missing. More than 5,792 people were evacuated from vulnerable locations and accommodated in 209 relief camps as rescue and relief operations intensified.
Major rivers, including the Pamba, Manimala and Meenachil, swelled rapidly and overflowed their banks, flooding homes, roads and commercial centres. The rapid rise in water levels forced authorities to evacuate people from several low-lying areas.
The dramatic deterioration in weather conditions has inevitably revived memories of Kerala’s devastating 2018 floods. Though the present situation cannot be compared directly with the scale of the 2018 disaster, the sudden flooding has generated considerable anxiety.
The episode has once again highlighted the challenge of forecasting short-duration, high-intensity rainfall and strengthening early-warning systems in Kerala’s environmentally fragile regions.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman
