Kerala experienced widespread disruption on Monday, October 20, 2025, as relentless heavy rains and powerful winds swept across various regions. The deluge led to significant waterlogging and snarled traffic in many areas.
Throughout the day, the high-altitude regions of southern Thiruvananthapuram and northern Kozhikode were pounded by widespread rainfall and remained under a thick, overcast sky. A particularly intense downpour, lasting for nearly an hour, caused severe waterlogging on the Thiruvananthapuram-Thenkasi road.
Later in the evening, traffic on the Elavattom-Palode road was temporarily halted due to severe inundation, adding to the day’s chaos.
In response to the escalating weather conditions, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an ‘orange alert’ for four districts: Ernakulam, Idukki, Malappuram, and Kozhikode, signaling a forecast of very heavy rainfall. All other districts across the state are currently under a ‘yellow alert’.
The State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA) has promptly urged residents in vulnerable areas – including those susceptible to landslides, mudslides, and flash floods – to relocate to safer zones as advised by local officials. Additionally, the SDMA has stressed the importance of early evacuation for communities residing along riverbanks and in downstream areas of dams, anticipating potential dangers from rising water levels.
For clarity, an ‘orange alert’ indicates a forecast of very heavy rainfall, ranging from 11 cm to 20 cm, while a ‘yellow alert’ signifies heavy rainfall between 6 cm and 11 cm.