Kerala On High Alert As Monsoon Intensifies; Water Level Rises In Key Reservoirs In Tamil Nadu
The southwest monsoon has made a powerful impact across Kerala, prompting the India Meteorological Department (IMD) to issue a series of red, orange, and yellow alerts across the state. With heavy to very heavy rains expected to continue through June 18, residents are being urged to stay vigilant, especially in vulnerable and hilly areas prone to landslides and flooding.
The IMD has forecast extremely heavy rainfall—more than 20 cm in 24 hours—for several northern districts. A red alert, the highest warning level, has been issued for Malappuram and Kozhikode on June 17, and extended to Wayanad, Kannur, and Kasaragod on June 18. These districts are bracing for a potential deluge as monsoon intensity increases.
Meanwhile, an orange alert, which indicates very heavy rain between 11 and 20 cm, has been declared for Pathanamthitta, Kottayam, Ernakulam, Idukki, Thrissur, and Palakkad on June 16 and 17.
On June 18, the alert shifts to Palakkad, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur, and Kasaragod, signaling persistent heavy showers. Other regions including Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, and Alappuzha have been placed under yellow alert—a warning for rainfall between 6 and 11 cm. This advisory extends to Pathanamthitta, Kottayam, Ernakulam, Idukki, and Thrissur on June 18.
In addition to the downpour, the IMD has cautioned against squally weather along Kerala’s coast, with wind speeds ranging between 40 to 50 kmph, and gusts reaching up to 60 kmph. These conditions are expected to persist until June 18. Fishing operations have been suspended, and authorities have strongly warned fishermen not to venture into the sea during this period.
Emergency preparedness is in full swing across the state. The Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA) has instructed local administrations to remain on high alert. Relief and response teams are on standby, and the public is being advised to follow updates from official channels and strictly adhere to safety guidelines.
As the monsoon tightens its grip on Kerala, its effects are also being felt across the Western Ghats, particularly in Tamil Nadu’s Tirunelveli and Tenkasi districts, where consistent rainfall has brought a welcome surge in water levels at major reservoirs.
According to officials from the Public Works Department (PWD), the Papanasam reservoir—a critical source of irrigation and drinking water—recorded a level of 126.55 feet as of Saturday, with an inflow of 2,845.43 cusecs. To manage the balance between supply and safety, an outflow of 1,400 cusecs is being maintained.
The Servalar reservoir has also seen a steady rise, reaching 135.17 feet, while the Manimuthar reservoir stood at 93.43 feet, buoyed by continued rainfall in the upper catchment areas. Officials anticipate further increases in the coming days as the monsoon remains active.
“We are releasing water in a controlled manner to support agricultural activities and meet drinking water demands, while ensuring there’s no threat of overflow to low-lying areas,” said a senior PWD engineer overseeing reservoir management.
For many local farmers, the timing couldn’t be better. After a scorching summer and months of water scarcity, the monsoon showers offer hope for a productive cropping season and renewed water security.
The district administrations, along with the PWD, are closely monitoring inflows and maintaining round-the-clock vigilance to ensure both water conservation and flood risk mitigation. As nature unleashes its seasonal rhythm, balancing opportunity with caution remains the order of the day.
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