Monsoon delayed, Kerala charts plan to tackle rains

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The onset of the southwest monsoon is likely to be delayed by four days, the India Meteorological Department said on Friday.
Considering the situation arising out of the Covid-19 pandemic, the state government has started preparations to face any eventuality during the four-month-long monsoon season.
The monsoon is likely to hit the Kerala coast on June 5, instead of the normal date of June 1.
“The onset of southwest monsoon over Kerala this year is likely to be slightly delayed as compared to normal date of onset. The monsoon onset over Kerala this year is likely to be on June 5 with a model error of plus or minus 4 days,” the IMD said, adding that the monsoon would be normal.
Andaman and Nicobar Islands, however, is likely to receive the first monsoon rain on May 16, six days ahead of the normal date, May 22, due to a cyclonic storm in the Bay of Bengal.
In 2019, though the monsoon had hit Andaman and Nicobar two days ahead on May 18, it reached Kerala only on June 8, and covered the rest of the country by July 19. The monsoon may withdraw by October 15.
Kerala had received 2,517mm rainfall in 2018. At least 483 people lost their lives in the savage floods.
The following year, the state received 2,310mm, which triggered massive landslides, killing more than 101 people.
The previous two years’ experience has made the state government chart out specific plans to tackle the monsoon.
As part of the preparations, the state disaster management authority has identified buildings to accommodate those who might be affected by the monsoon. The buildings are excluding the 27,000 earmarked for Covid-19 patients.
Meanwhile, efforts are on in a war footing to clean rivers, streams and canals. The work is likely to be completed in a week.