Flood warnings in Kerala and TN have thrown life into disarray as unrelenting heavy rains persist. The incessant downpour has led to waterlogging in several regions, leaving residents stranded and their daily routines disrupted. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) predicts that the relentless rain and thunderstorms may continue until October 18, urging caution as it issues yellow alerts in several districts. Additionally, we look at the weather conditions in other southern states and the intense western disturbance poised to impact northwestern and central India.

Kerala, often renowned for its serene backwaters and lush landscapes, is grappling with nature’s fury. Heavy rainfall has led to severe waterlogging, submerging roads and infiltrating the homes of many residents. After the deluge, families have been displaced from their inundated homes to safer zones.

The IMD’s Warning

The IMD’s Thiruvananthapuram division has boldly sounded the alarm for flood warnings in Kerala, predicting thunderstorms and heavy rains that may persist until October 18. A yellow alert has been issued for nine out of Kerala’s 14 districts as a precautionary measure. A yellow alert signifies expected rainfall between 6 and 11 cm, indicating the potential for further disruptions if the rains persist.

Visuals from the affected areas tell a poignant tale of inundation. Low-lying regions have been transformed into waterlogged landscapes, blurring the lines between streets and streams. Social media platforms have been flooded with images and videos shared by residents, providing a glimpse into the chaos that the heavy rains have unleashed.

The Flood warnings in Kerala and TN have prompted the Southern Railways to announce rescheduling train services. Notably, the Thiruvananthapuram-New Delhi Kerala Express train was delayed by over seven hours due to flooding at Kochuveli pit line due to the relentless rains.

With the increasing severity of the situation, the Kerala Fire and Rescue Services have issued an emergency contact number for citizens to seek assistance during this challenging period.

Wider Regional Impact

The impact of these unrelenting rains also extends to other southern states. The weather department has forecasted isolated thunderstorms and lightning, accompanied by gusty winds reaching 30-40 kmph over flood warnings in Kerala and TN from October 14 to 18.

Additionally, South Interior Karnataka is expected to experience isolated heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, and lightning on October 16 and 17.

While the southern states grapple with the ongoing rains, a different weather phenomenon looms over northwestern and central India. The IMD has issued an “orange” alert, warning of heavy rainfall and snowfall in parts of Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, and Himachal Pradesh due to an intense western disturbance. This marks the season’s first significant western disturbance, which is anticipated to influence the weather in northwest and central India until October 17.

As heavy rains spread Kerala and Tamil Nadu, residents are urged to exercise caution and stay updated on the weather alerts. The challenges brought about by the relentless downpour are significant, impacting transportation and daily life. Simultaneously, the intense western disturbance casts a shadow over northwestern and central India, making it crucial for all residents in affected regions to stay informed and take necessary precautions.

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