Kerala is currently grappling with a severe monsoon season in 2025, marked by torrential rains that have disrupted normal life across several districts. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) had declared the onset of the southwest monsoon in Kerala on May 24, 2025, which was significantly earlier than the usual date of June 1st. This early arrival, the earliest since 2009, has brought with it heavy downpours and subsequent flooding, causing significant damage and displacement.
The IMD has issued multiple alerts, including red, orange, and yellow, for various districts, indicating the severity of the situation. As of June 16, 2025, a red alert, the highest warning level, was in effect for Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur, and Kasaragod, signaling the likelihood of extremely heavy rainfall exceeding 20 cm in 24 hours. Orange alerts, indicating very heavy rainfall between 11 and 20 cm, were issued for Pathanamthitta, Kottayam, Ernakulam, Idukki, Thrissur, and Palakkad. These alerts have prompted district administrations to take precautionary measures, including declaring holidays for educational institutions in several districts. Schools, professional colleges, anganwadis and other educational institutions in Kasaragod, Kannur, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Malappuram, Thrissur, Ernakulam, Idukki, and Kottayam remained closed on Monday, June 16, 2025.
The heavy rains have led to the inundation of homes and disruption of daily life. Water levels in major rivers, including the Manimala, Achankovil, Meenachil, Korapuzha, and Kabani, are rising to dangerous levels, prompting alerts from the Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA) for communities residing along riverbanks. Landslides and mudslides have been reported in hilly regions, further exacerbating the situation. In Kottakkal, Malappuram district, a house was damaged in a mudslide, while in Wayanad's Sultan Bathery and Kottayam's Chungam area, uprooted trees disrupted traffic.
The transport sector has also been severely affected. Train services on the Alappuzha–Ernakulam and Thiruvananthapuram–Kottayam routes were halted due to trees falling across the tracks. Widespread damage to residential properties has been reported across the state, with numerous houses partially or completely destroyed. As a result, many people have been relocated to relief camps. In Wayanad, 739 people are staying in 18 relief camps, while in Kozhikode's Vilangad, flash floods led to the evacuation of patients from a hospital.
The Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) has faced significant disruptions due to high winds and heavy rainfall affecting power infrastructure across the state. Several dams have been opened to manage increasing water inflows, including the Ponmudi, Kallarkutty, Malankara, and Pampla dams. Authorities opened 14 of the 16 spillway shutters of the Pazhassi dam in Kannur.
The IMD has cautioned against squally weather along Kerala's coast, with wind speeds ranging between 40 to 50 kmph and gusts reaching up to 60 kmph, expected to persist until June 18. Fishermen have been advised not to venture into the sea due to the possibility of high waves.
The early monsoon and the resulting mayhem highlight the increasing vulnerability of Kerala to climate-induced disasters. While the IMD had predicted an above-normal monsoon, the intensity and variability of the rainfall have posed significant challenges for disaster management and preparedness. Authorities are urging residents to remain vigilant, avoid unnecessary travel, and follow safety guidelines. The state government, along with local administrations and disaster response teams, is working to provide relief and assistance to those affected by the floods and landslides.
