Heavy rains batter Kerala as one person dies and red alert is issued in five districts

Heavy rainfall has caused major disruption across several parts of Kerala, leading to one death, damage to houses, waterlogging on roads and widespread safety concerns. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for five districts, warning people about extremely heavy rainfall and possible weather-related dangers.

The continuous rain has affected normal life in many areas. Roads have been flooded, trees have been uprooted and residents have been advised to stay alert as weather conditions remain severe. Authorities have also taken several precautionary measures, including restricting access to tourist locations and suspending certain activities in vulnerable regions.

A tragic incident was reported from Thrissur district, where a 29-year-old man lost his life. According to fire and rescue officials, a tree fell on a temporary shed in Manaloor while the man was sleeping inside. The shed was completely destroyed, and the man died in the accident.

Several houses have also suffered damage due to the intense rainfall and strong winds. Emergency teams and local authorities have been monitoring the situation closely and responding to incidents reported from different districts.

Weather alerts across the state

The IMD issued a red alert for five districts of Kerala: Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur and Kasaragod. A red alert is issued when extremely heavy rainfall exceeding 20 centimetres within 24 hours is expected. Such rainfall can lead to flooding, landslides, road blockages and serious damage to infrastructure.

Apart from the red alert districts, six districts have been placed under an orange alert. These include Pathanamthitta, Kottayam, Ernakulam, Idukki, Thrissur and Palakkad. An orange alert indicates very heavy rainfall between 11 and 20 centimetres and calls for heightened preparedness among authorities and residents.

The remaining three districts of Kerala have been placed under a yellow alert, which signals heavy rainfall ranging from 6 to 11 centimetres.

Meteorologists have explained that a cyclonic circulation over north Kerala is one of the major reasons behind the intense rainfall. This weather system has increased moisture levels and created conditions favourable for heavy rain across large parts of the state.

The weather department has forecast that heavy to very heavy rainfall is likely to continue in several areas of Kerala and Mahe between June 6 and June 9. In addition, widespread rain accompanied by thunderstorms and strong winds is expected across the state until June 10.

Wind speeds may reach between 40 and 50 kilometres per hour in some places. Such strong winds can uproot trees, damage weak structures and disrupt transportation services.

Authorities have advised people to remain cautious, especially those living in low-lying areas, near rivers or in regions prone to landslides.

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Safety measures and travel restrictions

In response to the severe weather conditions, district administrations have introduced several restrictions to ensure public safety.

In Wayanad, Kozhikode and Kasaragod districts, entry to tourist trekking destinations has been temporarily banned. Officials believe that allowing visitors into hilly and forested areas during heavy rainfall could put lives at risk because of slippery terrain, landslides and falling trees.

Night travel on hilly roads has also been prohibited in these districts. Poor visibility, waterlogged roads and the possibility of landslides make travel particularly dangerous after dark.

Authorities have also stopped quarrying activities in affected areas. Heavy rain can weaken soil and rock structures, increasing the risk of accidents at quarry sites.

As an additional precaution, educational institutions in Wayanad, Kannur and Kasaragod were declared closed for the day. School closures help reduce travel risks for students and staff during extreme weather conditions.

The IMD has also provided an update on the southwest monsoon. According to the department, the monsoon has advanced into most parts of the central-western and central-eastern Arabian Sea. It has also covered parts of Goa, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu.

The arrival and strengthening of the southwest monsoon are expected to bring further rainfall to many regions over the coming days.

The weather department has also issued a warning to fishermen. Strong winds ranging from 40 to 60 kilometres per hour are expected along the Kerala, Lakshadweep and Karnataka coasts between June 6 and June 9.

Because of rough sea conditions, fishermen have been advised not to venture into the sea during this period. Authorities have warned that fishing activities could become dangerous due to high waves and strong winds.

Experts say that early warnings and preventive measures are important in reducing the impact of extreme weather events. Kerala has experienced severe monsoon-related disasters in previous years, including floods and landslides. As a result, state authorities now focus heavily on preparedness and quick response.

Residents have been advised to stay indoors during periods of intense rainfall whenever possible. People are also being encouraged to avoid unnecessary travel, monitor weather updates regularly and follow instructions issued by local authorities.

Emergency teams remain on standby across the state to respond to incidents involving flooding, fallen trees, damaged houses and other weather-related emergencies.

With heavy rain expected to continue over the next few days, officials are urging the public to remain vigilant. The combination of strong winds, thunderstorms and intense rainfall could create hazardous conditions in many districts.

As Kerala experiences one of the strongest phases of the southwest monsoon so far this season, authorities continue to focus on protecting lives and minimising damage. Residents are being reminded that caution and preparedness are essential until weather conditions improve.