Reportedly kerala was caught napping when the southwest monsoon in June 2018 burgeoned over several weeks into high-intensity rainfall by August. Meanwhile the heavy rainfall, the fast-filling dams and unplanned release of dam water culminated in floods and landslides across the state. Furthermore a year later, as the southwest monsoon is set to begin by June 6, how prepared is kerala to handle the rains?
Reportedly according to government officials whom TNM spoke to, district administrations and various departments in the state are still in the process of doing the groundwork to prepare for monsoon. Further the kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA), for example, has updated its Emergency Action Plan for all departments (including agriculture, power, wildlife) this year. Although the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast that the 2019 southwest monsoon is likely to be near normal, the KSDMA is preparing for extreme condition.
Fahad Marzook, Hazard Analyst, KSDMA, told “Last year, the general monsoon report had forecast an average rainfall of 23%. But on the days of the disaster, the state recorded 300% to 400% rainfall. Hence, a general monsoon forecast is not reliable. This year, as well, we are anticipating landslides. And so, founded on the experiences from last year, the KSDMA has prepared an Orange Book for the public and all departments”.
