Heavy Rain Pounds North Kerala as Kasaragod Records 121.5 mm, Rivers Remain on Alert

Heavy rainfall continued to batter several parts of Kerala on Tuesday, with the northern districts receiving the highest precipitation as the southwest monsoon remained active. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Bayar in Kasaragod recorded the state's highest rainfall at 121.5 mm during the 21-hour period ending at 5.30 am. The IMD classifies 60 mm or more rainfall within 24 hours as heavy rainfall.

Other areas that witnessed significant rainfall included Muliyar (81 mm) in Kasaragod, Kannur Airport (74 mm), Urumi in Kozhikode (65 mm), Cheruvanchery in Kannur (59.5 mm), RARS Pilicode in Kasaragod (59.5 mm) and Neryamangalam in Ernakulam (59 mm).

The latest official update showed that water levels in the Muvattupuzha and Thodupuzha rivers remained above their warning levels, although both were gradually receding. At 8 am, the Muvattupuzha River stood at 11.60 metres, above the warning level of 10.92 metres and close to the danger mark of 11.93 metres. The Thodupuzha River measured 11.50 metres, exceeding its warning level of 10.78 metres and nearing the danger level of 11.79 metres. Meanwhile, the Kaliyar River flowed at 12.26 metres, remaining below both its warning and danger levels while also showing a declining trend.

Authorities said they are continuously monitoring river water levels and weather conditions, urging people living along riverbanks to remain alert. Although water levels are currently receding, officials cautioned that fresh spells of heavy rainfall could quickly reverse the situation.

If the intense monsoon rain persists, Kerala could face an increased risk of flooding, waterlogging, landslides in the Western Ghats, transport disruptions, and damage to infrastructure and agriculture. With saturated soil and swollen rivers, authorities have advised residents in flood-prone and landslide-prone areas to stay vigilant and follow official advisories until weather conditions improve.