Pathanamthitta: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) chief Mrutyunjay Mohapatra has said that the intensity of the rain will reduce in Kerala in the coming days. Extremely Heavy Rainfall – which means rain fall above 20.4cm in 24 hours - is quite unlikely in the state.
Though the rain will continue in the northern parts of Kerala, chances of extreme rainfall are less, he said. The rainfall will also be considerably less in the southern parts of the state from Saturday. However, as there are chances of flooding, the red, orange and yellow alerts have to be followed.
Record rainfall of 40cm was registered at Alathur in Palakkad.
Reasons for heavy rainfall
"As the depression along the Odisha coast enters the land and moves in the western direction, Kerala will receive heavy rain. This is an usual occurrence," Mohapatra said.
Another depression will be formed in the Bay of Bengal on August 12. This will also cause rainfall along the western coast, including Kerala. However, chances of extreme rainfall are less. The depression is unlikely to turn into extreme low pressure. Also, it is likely to move in the northern direction and cause rainfall in Bengal.
The IMD chief also quelled concerns of people that Kerala is witnessing a repeat of 2018 floods. "The current situation in Kerala is not similar to that of 2018 when the state had received 25 per cent surplus rainfall. The state has receieved 14 per cent less rain than the normal till now this year. Therefore, it was unlikely that the whole of Kerala would be marooned like last year," Mohapatra said.