Kerala is bracing for the possibility of heavy rains and flooding on August 2, following a string of stormy days that have wreaked havoc across the state. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert for 12 districts, warning of heavy rains and the possibility of flash floods, mudslides, and road and neighbourhood inundation.
The IMD has cautioned fishers from venturing into the rough seas and has not issued any weather alert for Thiruvananthapuram and Kollam. The Government has ordered respective district administrations to prepare themselves to meet any eventuality and has requisitioned the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and Kerala State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) units for emergency deployment.
Heavy rains, strong winds, and flash flooding have already belaboured the state on August 1, leaving a trail of death and widespread destruction. According to government estimates, rain-related incidents claimed six lives, while another six persons were reported missing. Landslips were reported in the forested regions of Idukki and Kottayam, and rivers in spate overflowed into commercial localities, submerging wares that traders had stocked in advance for the Onam shopping season.
So far, the government has opened 65 relief camps and moved 1,465 persons to safer ground. Kottayam remains one of the worst-affected districts, followed by Kannur. Storm waters have destroyed 17 houses and damaged at least 127. The government has mobilised seagoing fishers and boats to assist emergency responders in search-and-rescue operations and has cautioned people from visiting high-range and coastal holiday destinations.
The government has ordered the Revenue Department to assess crop loss and building damage to disburse compensation and will also announce ex gratia payments to families who lost breadwinners to the floods.
