Kodagu Braces for Heavy Monsoon as IMD Forecasts Early Onset

Image used are for representation purposes only.

Madikeri/Bengaluru: Even as Kodagu recorded nearly 50 per cent below-normal rainfall from January till date, the district may likely brace for heavy rain during the upcoming southwest monsoon season, with weather agencies forecasting intense rainfall activity in the coming weeks. Over the last one week, several parts of Kodagu, including the tourist town of Madikeri, witnessed heavy showers that affected normal life while also bringing respite from the scorching summer heat.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Friday said that the southwest monsoon is expected to advance into Kerala on May 26, earlier than the normal onset date of June 1. The development has raised concerns in Kodagu, a district that has repeatedly faced floods and landslides during intense monsoon spells in recent years.

According to the IMD, the monsoon has nearly reached the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and parts of the Bay of Bengal. The weather agency noted that the system usually takes around 10 days to progress onto mainland India, although factors such as cyclonic developments could influence its movement.

If you appreciate our work, please consider supporting us with a donation. You may contribute via Google Pay, PhonePe or Paytm at: 9980855901

Last year, the monsoon arrived over Kerala on May 24, marking its earliest onset since 2009. However, meteorologists have clarified that the date of onset does not necessarily determine the overall rainfall quantum. This year, concerns remain as the IMD and other weather agencies have warned of the possibility of “below-normal” rainfall during the monsoon season across parts of the country.

The IMD follows an elaborate set of criteria before officially declaring the onset of monsoon over Kerala. This includes a prescribed amount of rainfall being recorded at a minimum number of meteorological stations across Kerala and adjoining Karnataka regions, along with favourable wind patterns and cloud density.

Meanwhile, anticipating the onset of the southwest monsoon in the first or second week of June, Kodagu Deputy Commissioner S.J. Somasekhar has directed district and taluk-level officials to intensify precautionary and disaster preparedness measures, especially in flood-prone and landslide-vulnerable areas.

If you appreciate our work, please consider supporting us with a donation. You may contribute via Google Pay, PhonePe or Paytm at: 9980855901

Somasekhar recently chaired a preparedness meeting and stated that despite Kodagu receiving nearly 50 per cent below-normal rainfall so far this year, there remained a strong possibility of intense rainfall during the monsoon season. He instructed officials to remain fully prepared for any emergency situation.

The Deputy Commissioner said vulnerable regions, including flood-hit and landslide-prone zones, had already been identified. Nodal officers have been appointed and instructed to work in coordination with tahsildars, taluk panchayat executive officers, police inspectors and engineers.

Officials were also directed to convene taluk-level task force meetings under the leadership of local MLAs and ensure that precautionary information reaches residents in vulnerable areas. Reports on the structural condition of schools, colleges and government buildings have also been sought ahead of the rainy season.

To strengthen emergency response, the district administration has decided to establish round-the-clock helpline centres at the taluk level in addition to the existing district control room. Staff will work in three shifts during the monsoon period to ensure uninterrupted coordination.

If you appreciate our work, please consider supporting us with a donation. You may contribute via Google Pay, PhonePe or Paytm at: 9980855901

Somasekhar further instructed departments including Revenue, Public Works, Panchayat Raj, Urban Development, CESC and the Forest Department to work in close coordination to address rain-related emergencies and infrastructure damage. Preventive measures such as removing dangerous roadside trees and replacing damaged electricity poles have also been ordered.

The Deputy Commissioner stressed the need to maintain updated data on families living in vulnerable areas and ensure preparedness for evacuation to relief centres in the event of floods or landslides. Relief centres, he said, must be equipped with essential facilities including drinking water, electricity and toilets.

He also called for the participation of NCC, NSS, Red Cross volunteers, ex-servicemen and other volunteers in disaster management activities during the monsoon season.

Kodagu Superintendent of Police Bindumani said the police department had already formed four special teams for monsoon-related emergency response and rescue operations across the district.

If you appreciate our work, please consider supporting us with a donation. You may contribute via Google Pay, PhonePe or Paytm at: 9980855901

To advertise on The Kodagu Express website, kindly call us at 9108795369 or mail us at thekodaguexpress@gmail.com 

Join The Kodagu Express WhatsApp Group: CLICK HERE 

Follow us on Instagram and X(Twitter)