Thiruvananthapuram, Rain has been pouring non-stop in Kerala for days now, turning streets into rivers and homes into puddles. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) first sounded a red alert for three districts—Idukki, Palakkad, and Malappuram—warning of extremely heavy rain that could dump over 204 mm in a day. But as things stand today, they’ve pulled back on that, shifting those spots to orange alerts. Still, the damage is done: schools shut across multiple areas, roads blocked by landslides, and families wading through knee-deep water.
Deputy Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan stepped in today, promising quick relief. “We have teams ready with boats, sandbags, and food kits. No one will be left behind,” he said during a press meet in Kochi. Locals, though, paint a grimmer picture. In Kollam, one resident shared on X: “Our street is a swimming pool. Kids can’t even step out for school.” This is the northeast monsoon at its peak, and it’s not letting up easy. For folks in Kerala and neighboring states, it’s a tough reminder of how quickly the skies can turn life upside down. Let’s break down what’s happening, why, and how to stay safe.
Rain has been pouring non-stop in Kerala for days now, turning streets into rivers and homes into puddles. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) first sounded a red alert for three districts—Idukki, Palakkad, and Malappuram—warning of extremely heavy rain that could dump over 204 mm in a day. But as things stand today, they’ve pulled back on that, shifting those spots to orange alerts. Still, the damage is done: schools shut across multiple areas, roads blocked by landslides, and families wading through knee-deep water.
Deputy Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan stepped in today, promising quick relief. “We have teams ready with boats, sandbags, and food kits. No one will be left behind,” he said during a press meet in Kochi. Locals, though, paint a grimmer picture. In Kollam, one resident shared on X: “Our street is a swimming pool. Kids can’t even step out for school.” This is the northeast monsoon at its peak, and it’s not letting up easy. For folks in Kerala and neighboring states, it’s a tough reminder of how quickly the skies can turn life upside down. Let’s break down what’s happening, why, and how to stay safe.
What’s Behind the Downpour? A Quick Look at the Weather Setup
Kerala sits pretty on India’s southwest coast, where two monsoons hit each year. The southwest one (Edavappathi) comes in May-June, bringing most of the rain. But now, it’s the northeast monsoon (Thulavarsham), kicking off in October and lasting till December. It pulls moist air from the Bay of Bengal, slamming the southern states with heavy showers.
This time, things are extra fierce. A low-pressure area off the Tamil Nadu coast is brewing into a depression, sucking in more clouds. IMD says it could intensify today, pushing rain into Kerala till October 24, with spots of very heavy falls even on the 25th and 26th. Winds up to 40 kmph add to the mess, whipping up thunderstorms.
In numbers: Orange alert means 115-204 mm of rain in 24 hours—enough to flood low spots. Yellow is 64-115 mm, still a hassle. Red, which we dodged today, is over 204 mm—think flash floods and landslides. For October 22, orange covers Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Idukki, Ernakulam, Thrissur, Palakkad, Malappuram, Kozhikode, and Wayanad. Yellow hits Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Kannur, Kasaragod, and Lakshadweep. Tomorrow, October 23, orange shifts north to Kannur and Kasaragod, with yellow in the south and central parts.
Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan called an emergency meet yesterday. “This is no ordinary rain. Districts must clear drains now, or we’ll pay later,” he urged collectors. It’s like 2018 all over again, when floods killed over 400. But lessons learned: Early warnings and quick evacuations saved lives last time.
Alerts Across the Map: Which Districts Are Hit Hardest?
Kerala’s 14 districts are feeling the squeeze differently. Here’s the lay of the land as of today:
- Orange Alert Zones (Very Heavy Rain Likely): Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Idukki, Ernakulam, Thrissur, Palakkad, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad. Expect 115-204 mm. These spots saw the worst yesterday—rivers like Pamba and Periyar swelling fast. In Idukki, a hill road caved in, stranding 20 vehicles.
- Yellow Alert Areas (Heavy Rain Possible): Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Kannur, Kasaragod. 64-115 mm here. Thiruvananthapuram recorded 80 mm overnight, turning the airport runway soggy and delaying flights.
Tomorrow’s shift means northern districts like Kannur brace for the brunt. IMD’s map shows blobs of intense rain hugging the coast, fed by that Bay of Bengal system. It’s spilling over to Tamil Nadu too, where three died in a wall collapse.
Revenue Minister K. Rajan warned: “Flash floods in rivers, landslides in hills—stay put if you’re in risky spots.” Over 50 houses damaged statewide, mostly in Palakkad and Thrissur.
Schools Shut, Roads Blocked: Daily Life Grinds to a Halt
Nothing hits home like closed schools. Today, holidays were called in Idukki, Palakkad, Malappuram, and Pathanamthitta—no classes for kids from nursery to college. Yesterday, it was nine districts: Malappuram, Kozhikode, Pathanamthitta, Kannur, Kasaragod, Thrissur, Wayanad, Kottayam, and Idukki. Parents like Sita from Ernakulam say, “Good call—roads are like lakes. Better safe than sorry.”
Transport’s a nightmare. Trains delayed on the Konkan line due to water over tracks in Kollam. Buses rerouted in Wayanad after a minor landslide. In Alappuzha, backwaters overflowed, flooding 30 homes. Power outages flickered in Kozhikode—trees down on lines. Fisherfolk grounded; no boats out till winds ease.
Farmers worry too. Paddy fields in Kuttanad submerged—could mean crop losses worth crores. But silver lining: Reservoirs filling up, good for the dry months ahead.
On X, it’s a flood of posts. One from Wayanad: “Roof leaking, power gone—when does relief come?” Another: “IMD nailed the alert—evacuated in time, thanks.” Hashtags like #KeralaRains and #IMDAlert trending, with over 10k mentions today.
Voices from the Ground: Stories of Struggle and Strength
The rain isn’t just wet—it’s personal. In Thiruvananthapuram, auto driver Rajan lost half his day’s work. “Water up to ankles on main roads. Passengers cancel. How do we eat?” he asked a local reporter.
Up in Wayanad, tribal family head Mariamma moved to a camp with her three kids. “House flooded at night. Scary, but camp has hot meals. Government helped fast.” NDRF teams airlifted supplies to cut-off villages in Idukki—28 members deployed.<grok:
Deputy CM Satheesan toured flooded spots in Kollam. “We’ve cleared 200 km of drains already. More pumps coming from Tamil Nadu,” he assured, shaking hands with soaked locals. CM Vijayan added: “Unity is our strength. Opposition helping too—let’s beat this together.”
A teacher from Palakkad school: “Kids safe at home, but we’re prepping online classes. Rain can’t stop learning.” And from IMD’s Dr. Sreejith: “Alerts work because people listen. Early action saves lives.”
Not all smooth—some gripe about slow response. X user in Ernakulam: “Promised sandbags two days ago. Still waiting.” But overall, Kerala’s Another 4,000 camps on standby for 600,000 if needed. Food, water, docs on site.
NDRF and SDRF boats patrolling rivers. In Thrissur, they rescued 50 from a flooded bridge. Army on alert in hills. Farmers get aid alerts—Rs 4 lakh per damaged house, crop insurance fast-tracked.
Satheesan: “Central funds coming. We’ve mapped 1,000 prone spots—evacuations priority.” Vijayan looped in PM Modi for extra choppers. Neighbors like TN sending pumps.
Looking Ahead: When Does the Rain Ease? Tips to Ride It Out
IMD says peak today-tomorrow, easing by 25th. But isolated bursts linger. Rough seas—fishers, stay ashore.
Stay safe like this:
- Check IMD app for your pincode.
- Avoid rivers, hills—landslides sneaky.
- Stock torches, meds, dry clothes.
- Report issues to 1077 helpline.
Kerala, you’ve faced worse and bounced back. This too shall pass—but till then, huddle close, share a hot chai, and watch the clouds.
FAQs: Your Questions Answered
Q1: What are the current rain alerts for Kerala on October 22, 2025, and what do they mean?
A: IMD downgraded red alerts for Idukki, Palakkad, and Malappuram to orange today, meaning very heavy rain (115-204 mm in 24 hours) likely in those plus Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Ernakulam, Thrissur, Kozhikode, and Wayanad. Yellow (64-115 mm) for Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Kannur, Kasaragod. Orange signals high flood/landslide risk—stay indoors if possible. Tomorrow, orange for Kannur and Kasaragod; yellow elsewhere.
Q2: Which schools and colleges are closed due to the rains, and why?
A: Holidays today in Idukki, Palakkad, Malappuram, and Pathanamthitta for all institutions—government, aided, private. Yesterday covered nine districts including Kozhikode, Thrissur, Wayanad. Reason: Flooded roads, landslide risks—safety first, as per district collectors. Online classes in some spots; check with your school. Expect more closures if rain worsens.
Q3: What relief measures is the Kerala government taking for flood-affected people?
A: 66 camps open with 1,894 sheltered; 4,000 more ready. NDRF/SDRF rescuing in boats, airlifting supplies. Sandbags, pumps clearing water; food kits distributed. Deputy CM: “Teams in every district—evacuate low areas now.” Aid: Rs 4 lakh per destroyed house, crop help for farmers. Helpline 1077 for reports.
Q4: How is the heavy rain affecting transport and power in Kerala?
A: Roads blocked by landslides (Wayanad, Idukki); trains delayed (Konkan line). Buses rerouted in central districts. Flights from Thiruvananthapuram airport on time but watch for updates. Power flickers in Kozhikode, Thrissur—KSEB fixing lines. Fishermen ban till 24th due to rough seas. Use apps like Kerala Police for live traffic.
Q5: When will the rains stop, and what’s the forecast for the next few days?
A: Peak today-23rd; easing by 25th, but isolated heavy showers till 26th. Northeast monsoon driver—a Bay depression—fading. Winds 30-40 kmph. Good news: Fills reservoirs for summer. Bad: More floods if drains clog. Track IMD site for hourly updates.
Q6: What should residents do to stay safe during these Kerala rains?
A: Avoid rivers/hills—flash floods quick. Stock essentials: Water, torches, first aid. Clear home drains. Move to camps if low-lying. Report dangers to 1077. Farmers: Check insurance. Kids: No playing in water. IMD tip: Alerts save lives—heed them.