India: Towns devastated as Kerala braces for more heavy flooding
Dozens have died after heavy rainfall triggered floods and landslides in the southern Indian state. Experts think climate change will lead to more frequent extreme weather in the region.
Low-pressure system triggered rains
The off-season torrential rains are the result of a low-pressure system over the Arabian Sea. A total of 13 out of Kerala's 14 districts received much more rainfall than predicted over the past week as a result, according to the Indian government's Meteorological Department. Between October 7 and 13, around 73 millimeters of rain was predicted, but over 194 mm of rain fell — a difference of 166%.
Kottayam, Idukki districts were badly hit
The rainfall has triggered landslides and flash floods. Worst-hit were the Kottayam and Idukki districts near the base of the Western Ghats mountain range. At Kokkayar village in Idukki district (pictured), rescue workers recovered a body from a house swamped by mudslides. Around 13 people were killed by a landslide in nearby Koottickal village, officials and eyewitnesses said.
Military been called in to help
The National Disaster Response Force and the Indian Army has deployed teams to help with rescue efforts. This member of the Indian Navy is on a mission to distribute relief material to flood-affected people at Koottickal in Kottayam district.
Government taking preventative steps
Leaders in the south Indian state of Kerala opened near-overflowing dams on Monday, in an effort to reduce the risk of potentially catastrophic overflows. But releasing water downstream could also worsen the situation in areas that are already badly flooded.
Not the first time
Kerala has been hit with devastating floods before. In 2018, some 400 people died and more than a million were displaced in floods that were dubbed the worst in the region in a century.
Extreme rainfall could become more frequent
Such intense, localized flooding is not frequent in the region. But climate scientists think the region could expect more extreme weather in the future. The latest report released in August by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) predicted that South Asia could see more heat waves, as well as extreme rainfall and associated flooding during rainy seasons.
More rain in the forecast
The heavy downpour has subsided for now, but Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has urged residents to exercise extreme caution. India's Meteorological Department is predicting more rainfall to fall in Kerala, as well as the Mahe and Lakshadweep districts, over the next weeks.