IMD Issues Orange Alert in Kerala Amid Heavy Rainfall and Flooding

Kerala is experiencing moderate to very heavy rainfall, prompting the India Meteorological Department (IMD) to issue an orange alert for Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, and Ernakulam on May 29. The red alert previously issued for Ernakulam and Kottayam was downgraded to orange. Meanwhile, yellow alerts are in place for Thiruvananthapuram, Idukki, and Thrissur districts.

The heavy rains have caused significant damage, including the collapse of house structures and flooding of a poultry farm, resulting in the death of over 5,000 chickens. In Kochi, extreme rainfall led to widespread flooding, affecting over 100 homes. While experts from the Cochin University of Science and Technology suggest a cloudburst might be responsible, the IMD has yet to confirm this. Residents are now beginning the arduous task of cleaning up as the floodwaters recede.