Red Alert Issued in Five Kerala Districts Amid Heavy Rainfall Warning

Thiruvananthapuram, May 24, 2025 — The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for five districts in Kerala as torrential rains continue to lash the southern state. The districts under red alert include Idukki, Pathanamthitta, Kottayam, Ernakulam, and Alappuzha, prompting authorities to take precautionary measures against potential floods and landslides.

According to the IMD bulletin released earlier today, extremely heavy rainfall — exceeding 204.5 mm in a 24-hour period — is likely in these districts over the next 48 hours. The red alert, the highest in the three-tier weather warning system, urges residents and local administrations to take immediate action and prepare for potentially hazardous weather conditions.

"Strong monsoon winds from the Arabian Sea are intensifying, leading to heavy moisture buildup over the state. We expect the rainfall to peak between May 25 and May 26, especially in hilly and low-lying regions," said Dr. R. Krishnan, senior meteorologist at IMD Kochi.

Emergency Response and Evacuation Preparedness

In response to the alert, the Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA) has activated emergency control rooms in all affected districts. Fishermen have been advised against venturing into the sea due to rough conditions along the Kerala and Lakshadweep coasts. Relief camps are being set up, and vulnerable families in landslide-prone areas are being relocated as a precautionary measure.

District collectors have been instructed to remain on high alert, and schools and colleges in the red-alert districts have been ordered shut on Monday. Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, in a press briefing, urged citizens to cooperate with authorities and avoid non-essential travel.

"We are closely monitoring the situation. The safety of our people is our utmost priority. All necessary arrangements are in place for rescue and relief operations if required," he stated.

Past Rainfall Records and Monsoon Outlook

This latest weather development marks an early and intense onset of the 2025 monsoon season in Kerala. Data from the IMD indicates that Kerala has already received 120% above-normal rainfall for May, putting additional strain on river systems and reservoirs that are nearing capacity.

Experts warn that climate change-induced variability in monsoon patterns is likely contributing to the increased frequency of extreme rainfall events. “We’ve seen a worrying trend of concentrated, high-intensity rains in short durations, which increases the risk of flash floods,” noted Dr. Leela Menon, a climate scientist at the Kerala Agricultural University.

Advisory for Citizens

Residents are advised to:

• Stay indoors and avoid flooded roads.

• Follow official alerts via KSDMA and IMD channels.

• Keep emergency kits ready.

• Evacuate low-lying or landslide-prone areas if instructed.

The IMD will issue updated forecasts every three hours as the situation evolves. Citizens are urged to stay informed and comply with local advisories.

As Kerala braces for a challenging few days, the preparedness of its disaster management systems and community resilience will be put to the test.