Kerala lashed by intense southwest monsoon

THIRUVANTHAPURAM: Kerala witnessed an intense spell of the Southwest monsoon, with 11 districts reporting extremely heavy rainfall at isolated locations. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert for Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, and Alappuzha.

Strong surface winds, with speeds reaching 50–60 kmph, were recorded in Thrissur, Ernakulam, Idukki, Kottayam, Wayanad, and Alappuzha. The heavy rains caused widespread disruption, including damage to homes, uprooted trees, and waterlogging across multiple districts.

Urumi in Kozhikode recorded the highest rainfall at 21 cm, followed closely by Ayyankunnu in Kannur with 20 cm.