How Much Did it Rain in Kerala This Year? Flood-Hit State Gets More Than Double the Normal Rainfall, IMD Shares Data
Kerala has been reeling under murderous monsoon since August 8. Reports inform that in just one week, i.e. from August 8 to 15, Kerala has received more than 3.5 times its normal rainfall. On August 16, the state recorded a rainfall of 137mm, more than 10 times the normal for the day.
Kochi, August 18: Incessant rains, overflowing rivers and a series of landslides have caused a havoc in Kerala, taking the death toll in the flood-hit state to 324. Usually, till August 16, Kerala receives 244.1 mm of rainfall, but this year, the state recorded 619.5mm of rainfall in the same period, which is nearly thrice the normal, a data by the India Meteorological Department (IMD) showed. The weather seems to be worsening even more as red alert has been issued in 11 of the 14 districts.
Kerala has been reeling under murderous monsoon since August 8. Reports inform that in just one week, i.e. from August 8 to 15, Kerala has received more than 3.5 times its normal rainfall. On August 16, the state recorded a rainfall of 137mm, more than 10 times the normal for the day.
The reason for the deluge in Kerala is that the southwest monsoon has been 'vigorous' over Kerala and 'active' over Telangana, Lakshadweep, coastal Karnataka and south interior Karnataka. According to Dr. S Devi of the India Meteorological Department while the intensity of rainfall has decreased now there won't be extremely heavy rains anymore, heavy rains will continue in the southern state for two more days.
The incessant rainfall continued to worsen the flood situation in the state, leading to the collapse of the public transport system in several parts of the state. The death toll in the current phase of monsoon fury in the southern state has crossed 324, while rains and floodwater have caused extensive damage. The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has deployed 58 teams and has managed to save over 7,000 people.
Kerala Chief Minister's Office on Friday informed that a total of 324 people were killed while over two lakh people left displaced. According to government estimates, a total of 2,23,139 people have been shifted to more than 1,500 relief camps. The rescue operations are in full swing with the army and local authorities actively involved in securing lives and disbursing aid to stranded people.
The regional weather office on Friday informed that the 'vigorous' southwest monsoon over rain-battered Kerala will bring in more heavy spells during the weekend in that state, besides Tamil Nadu and Karnataka.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 18, 2018 03:22 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).