Monsoon Havoc in Kerala: Heavy Rain, Sea Turbulence, and Widespread Disruption Leave Five Dead

Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala is witnessing widespread and intense rainfall following the early arrival of the southwest monsoon on May 24 — eight days ahead of schedule and the earliest onset since 2009. This premature onset has triggered severe weather across the state, including heavy downpours, strong winds, rising river levels, and fatalities.
On Tuesday, May 27, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued red alerts for the northern districts of Kozhikode, Wayanad, and Kannur, indicating the likelihood of extremely heavy rainfall exceeding 20 cm within 24 hours. Orange alerts were declared for Thrissur, Malappuram, and Kasaragod districts, forecasting very heavy rainfall between 11 cm and 20 cm. The IMD has also warned of thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and strong surface winds reaching speeds of 50–60 km/h in gusts over Kerala and Lakshadweep.
The intense rainfall has led to the Poonoorpuzha river crossing its danger level, prompting authorities to open the shutters of the Malankara Dam in Idukki district. The sudden release of water caused a rise in the Thodupuzha and Muvattupuzha rivers, raising concerns among residents in low-lying areas.
Five people have died across the state due to rain and storm-related incidents. In Alappuzha, 18-year-old Nithya Joshi died when a temporary shed collapsed on her due to heavy wind near the beach. Omanakuttan, a 53-year-old resident of Kainakary Vadakku, drowned after slipping into a flooded area. In Ernakulam’s Koothattukulam, 80-year-old Vellani was electrocuted after coming into contact with a fallen power line. Another man, Jobin Joseph, aged 41, was swept away by the current while attempting to cross the swollen Muvattupuzha River. In Kollam, 67-year-old Madhupal was found dead in stagnant floodwater near his home in the Karunagappally region. Revenue Minister K Rajan told reporters here that as many as 607 houses have been destroyed across the state due to intense rains. Of them, 21 houses were destroyed completely, he said.
Relief operations are underway, with 14 camps opened in different districts to provide shelter to affected families. Educational institutions in Kozhikode, Kannur, Wayanad, and Kottayam districts have been closed for the day, including anganwadis, madrasas, and tuition centres, as a precautionary measure.
Transportation has been severely affected, with train services disrupted in areas like Kozhikode and Aluva due to trees falling onto railway tracks, causing delays of up to six hours. In Areekkad, train services on the Shoranur route were halted after a tree was uprooted on the track but resumed after debris was cleared.
Kerala’s long coastline, where rough seas and high waves have triggered further alerts. The National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS) has warned of sea waves rising between 3.5 and 4 meters and possible coastal flooding until 8:30 PM on Wednesday. A red alert has been issued along several coastal stretches, including: Thiruvananthapuram (from Kappil to Pozhiyoor), Kollam (from Alappad to Edava), Alappuzha (from Chellanam to Azhikode), Ernakulam (from Munambam to Maruvakkad), Thrissur (from Attupuram to Kodungallur), Malappuram (from Kadalundi Nagar to Palappetti), Kozhikode (from Chombal to Ramanattukara), Kannur (from Valapattanam to New Mahe), Kasaragod (from Kunjathur to Kottakkunnu), Kanyakumari (Tamil Nadu) (from Neerodi to Arokiyapuram).
The IMD and disaster management authorities have also issued a rough sea warning, urging people to avoid coastal activities. Fishing has been strictly banned along the Kerala–Karnataka–Lakshadweep coast until May 30 due to the risk of high waves and stormy conditions. Coastal erosion has been reported in several locations, and residents living in vulnerable seaside areas have been advised to remain on high alert.
As Kerala braces for more rain and possible flooding, authorities are urging the public to follow safety advisories, avoid unnecessary travel, and stay away from rivers and coastal areas.