Southern States Inundated by Heavy Rainfall; Lives Lost

The southern states were battered by rainfall in the early weeks of July, leading to flooding, school closures and loss of lives. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasts more rain in the coming days. Karnataka CM Basavaraj Bommai addressed the media and said that 12 lives had been lost. The coastal region, specifically the Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts, has borne heavy rainfall. Landslides in the Dakshina Kannada district claimed the lives of three labourers.

Schools and Anganwadis in the Udupi district were closed on July 11, whereas schools in the Kodagu district were closed in the first week of July. Several houses in Kodagu were reportedly damaged. Meanwhile, two people were killed in the Srikakulam district of Andhra Pradesh, as heavy rains caused a wall to collapse on two sleeping labourers. In neighbouring Telangana, CM KCR announced that all educational institutions in the state will remain shut until July 13.

In Andhra Pradesh, the rains have led to rising levels of the Godavari river. All gates of the Polavaram Project were raised to release surplus water downstream. Similarly, in Karnataka, the Tungabhadra Dam (in Hosapete city), the Harangi dam (in Kodagu), the KRS dam (in Mandya) and the Kabini dam (in Mysore) are all close to their respective Full Reservoir Levels (FRL). According to reports, the water in Bhadra and Tunga dams have overflowed, and the excess water was released into the Tungabhadra river.

In Telangana, the Sammakka Barrage is on the verge of reaching its total capacity, while the water in the Sri Ram Sagar Project has already overflowed.

In Karnataka, as per IMD Data, ten districts reported Large Excess (LE) rainfall during the cumulative period from June 1 - July 11. In the same period, 11 districts reported Excess (E) rainfall. LE and E and other categories are defined based on %deviation above the Normal rainfall for a particular region. A deviation above 60% is considered Large Excess rainfall, while a deviation between 20-59% is considered Excess.

Telangana was also severely affected. Out of the state's 33 districts, Large Excess (LE) rainfall was reported in 24 districts, eight districts reported excess rainfall, and only Hyderabad reported rainfall in the Normal range during this 40-day period. However, Hyderabad recorded LE rainfall in July, and forecasts predict heavy rains over the coming week.

In Andhra Pradesh, out of the 13 districts mentioned in the IMD data, three districts recorded Large Excess levels of rainfall, and five districts recorded Excess rain. The districts of East Godavari, West Godavari and Eluru have borne the brunt of the rains.

In Tamil Nadu, out of 38 districts, 18 districts experienced Large Excess rainfall, while ten districts recorded Excess rainfall during the cumulative 40-day period.

In Kerala, heavy rainfall was experienced in early July, which is expected to continue for the next week. Out of 15 districts, six districts experienced Large Excess rainfall in July, while four districts recorded Excess rainfall.

High wave warnings have been issued by the Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS) to fishermen in various states. In Karnataka, high waves are expected along the coast of Mangalore and Karwar. In Andhra Pradesh, along the coast of Dugarajapatnam to Baruva. Kerala can also expect high waves and strong winds between the coasts of Vizhinjam to Kasargod. Fishermen in Tamil Nadu have been warned not to venture into sea on 11 and 12 July at the Gulf of Mannar and the Comorin area.

Similarly, high waves are forecasted along the Lakshadweep Islands between Minicoy to Bitra. Fishermen have been advised not to venture into the sea until July 13. According to the IMD, there is a moderate possibility of cyclone formation over the next 4-5 days.