The southwest monsoon seems insistent like never before and has shown a massive surge above the norm. The Meteorological Department has predicted "heavy" (7-11 cms a day) to 'very heavy' (12-10 cms a day) rainfall in at least two places in the state till June 14. Heavy rainfall is expected on June 15, too. At 32 cms, Peerumedu in Idukki has recorded the highest rainfall on Monday.
Tuesday has been declared a holiday for educational institutions, except professional colleges, in Idukki and Kottayam districts. Educational institutions in Ranni and Mallappally taluks in Pathanamthitta, and also in Attappady in Palakkad district, have also been granted holiday on Tuesday. The holiday is applicable for anganwadis, too.
Tourists have been advised to stay away from beach destinations, especially from wading into the sea. A warning has been issued against parking their vehicles under trees.
Since there is a possibility of lifting the shutters of Malankara dam, alert has been sounded for those living along the banks of Thodupuzha and Muvattupuzha rivers. Those living along the banks of Kakkattu river between Moozhiyar and Seethathode in Pathanamthitta district have also been told that the shutters of Moozhiyar dam could be lifted any moment. The water level in Neyyar dam in Thiruvananthapuram, too, has risen dramatically. If rain persists, the shutters will have to be opened causing severe hardships to those living along the river bank. Farmers are also bearing the brunt of monsoon's fury. Huge crop losses have been reported in high range areas.
Fishermen have also been warned, though they have only been asked to be cautious while going out fishing. Strong winds mainly from the westerly direction with a medium speed reaching 40-50 kms per hour, gusting to 60 kmph, is very likely along the Kerala coast on June 11.
The southwest phenomenon began a bit sedately, but its intensity shot up above the norm from June 8. After a fortnight, there has been an excess rainfall of 35 per cent. Idukki, Kottayam, Malappuram and Wayanad are the worst affected districts.