Kerala on High Alert as Northeast Monsoon Triggers Heavy Rains, Flood Fears
Heavy rains, potential flooding hit Kerala as monsoon intensifies.
Kerala is on high alert as the Northeast monsoon intensifies, bringing the threat of widespread flooding and strong winds across the state on Sunday, October 19, 2025. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert for Malappuram, Kozhikode, Kannur, and Kasaragod, forecasting heavy to very heavy rainfall in North Kerala over the next 24 hours. A yellow alert covers Pathanamthitta, Kottayam, Idukki, Ernakulam, Thrissur, Palakkad, and Wayanad, signaling significant weather risks. The IMD has also warned of turbulent coastal waters, advising fishermen to avoid venturing out to sea due to dangerous conditions.
Idukki district faced the monsoon’s wrath on Saturday, October 18, 2025, with torrential rains triggering chaos. Washed-out roads, downed power lines, disrupted mobile networks, and minor mudslides crippled the region. The district reported its first casualty when 66-year-old Parappallil Thomas, known as Thankachan, was killed late Saturday night near Vellaramkunnu. A mudslide buried his two-wheeler on the Kumily-Anavilasom-Kattappana road as he returned home after closing his hotel, according to Vellaramkunnu panchayat councillor Robin Karakkattu.
The rains devastated Kumily panchayat, where overnight downpours caused sweeping power outages and turned roads into rivers. Floodwaters inundated homes and businesses in areas like Onnam Mile, Atta Palam, Kumily town, Periyar Colony, Chelimala, Valiyakandan, and Anavachal. Resident Jaison Thekkady described how surging stormwater caught residents off guard, forcing many to flee to upper floors or relatives’ homes on higher ground, salvaging belongings by placing them above flood levels.
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A critical concern emerged with the Mullaperiyar Dam, where heavy rainfall in the catchment area prompted Tamil Nadu authorities to release water into the Periyar River starting at 9 a.m. on Sunday, October 19. On Saturday, the dam’s 13 spillway shutters were opened, discharging 9,403 cusecs of water. The Kerala government issued urgent warnings to residents downstream to remain vigilant. Shaji Kurishumood, a Vallakadavu resident, reported that the water release flooded at least five homes along the Periyar River’s banks, exacerbating local distress.
Heavy rainfall also disrupted traffic along the Gudalloor-Kozhikode road in Malappuram, where rising water levels in the Karakodam, Kalakkad, and Athithode rivers caused delays. In Kochi, overnight rains led to minor flooding, inconveniencing early morning commuters, particularly two-wheeler riders, though the impact was less severe than in Idukki.
As Kerala braces for worsening conditions, authorities are urging residents to stay cautious, avoid flood-prone areas, and prepare for potential evacuations. The combination of heavy rains, strong winds, and dam water releases has heightened fears of a broader crisis, with the state government and local agencies mobilizing to mitigate the monsoon’s impact.
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