Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala is bracing for intense monsoon activity as twin cyclonic systems—one over southern Maharashtra and another above the northwest Bay of Bengal—combine with strong westerly winds to trigger widespread heavy rainfall across the state. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued red alerts for five northern districts: Kasaragod, Kannur, Wayanad, Kozhikode, and Malappuram, warning of extremely heavy showers and wind speeds reaching up to 60 km/h. Orange alerts have been sounded in six districts including Palakkad, Thrissur, Idukki, Ernakulam, Kottayam, and Pathanamthitta, while yellow alerts are in effect for Alappuzha, Kollam, and Thiruvananthapuram. On June 17, most districts except Kollam and Thiruvananthapuram remain under weather alerts. Meanwhile, the National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS) has forecast high waves between 3.2 and 4.3 meters along Kerala’s coast till 11:30 PM on June 17, cautioning coastal communities about potential sea surges and erosion. Fisherfolk and residents are urged to remain vigilant.
