Inclement weather conditions led to catastrophic land slides in the Chooralmala and Mundakkai areas of the state on 30th July. The tragedy has claimed about 308 lives and left about 180 people still missing. Bad weather hindered the relief and rescue operations. Air operations were also restricted on account of continuous rains, hanging low clouds, and poor visibility. Mountainous terrain increased the complexities of weather conditions. Hoping against the hopes, the search continues for any lucky survivors buried under the mud, using advanced technical gadgets and sniffer dogs. Weather conditions will improve, offering least resistance to all the disaster management agencies.
The State of Kerala has witnessed hefty rains during the last one week. Once, the state with the largest deficit during the monsoon has been relieved and has turned normal. As of August 4, 2024, the state has received 1314.7mm of rainfall against the normal of 1374.9mm, a mere 4% below the average. The rains are going to become sparse for the next 5-6 days. The lean phase may even extend further, as the southern parts are heading for a weak phase of monsoon.
The off-shore trough from South Gujarat to Kerala, mainly responsible for the weeklong downpour, is weakening. Extreme northern parts along the coastline, including Cannur, Kozhikode, and Idukki, will have moderate intermittent showers late in the evening and tonight. These showers will become further light tomorrow. The southern half of the state will observe minimal rainfall activity, possibly localized in nature. The northern parts of the state will also improve further, day after day. Notwithstanding, the slush and the mud left earlier due to the heavy downpour will not worsen further. Rather, the conditions may improve to facilitate all the ground and air operations, wherever needed during this week. \
Image Credit: The Hindu