The Southwest Monsoon, which arrived early in Kerala, has intensified, causing widespread rainfall, landslides, and waterlogging in several parts of the state. The monsoon, crucial for India's agriculture, is expected to reach Madhya Pradesh by June 15, earlier than usual.

Since Friday night, Kottayam, Idukki, and parts of Ernakulam have been experiencing heavy downpours. Landslides and uprooted trees have been reported in Poochapra and Kolappra areas of Idukki district, causing damage to some houses and vehicles, although there were no casualties reported.

Due to the risk of mudslides, traffic restrictions were enforced on the Thodupuzha-Puliyanmala state highway. District authorities raised five shutters of the Malankara Dam in Idukki, advising caution to residents along the Thodupuzha and Muvattupuzha rivers. In Kottayam, Vadavathoor received 100 mm of rain, leading to waterlogging and traffic congestion.

In Ernakulam, moderate to intense rains hit Aluva, while Kochi experienced lighter rainfall. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasts thunderstorms with light to moderate rainfall and gusty winds up to 40 kmph in Ernakulam, Thrissur, and Malappuram districts.

Further, moderate rainfall is anticipated in Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, and Kottayam districts, while lighter showers are expected in Thiruvananthapuram, Idukki, Kozhikode, and Kannur districts.

The early arrival of the monsoon in Kerala and the northeastern region on May 30 has set the stage for the four-month rainy season, crucial for India's agriculture-based economy. Weather scientists attribute this early onset to cyclone Remal, which redirected the monsoonal flow towards the Bay of Bengal.

Looking ahead, meteorologists from the India Meteorological Department (IMD) Bhopal Centre anticipate the monsoon's arrival in Madhya Pradesh by June 15, or possibly a day or two earlier than usual. The state is expected to receive above-normal rainfall this season, with an average annual rainfall of 949 mm.

Last year, the monsoon reached Madhya Pradesh on June 25, covering the entire state rapidly. This year, meteorologists Pramendra Kumar and Prakash Dhawale from the IMD Bhopal Centre confirm the early onset of the Southwest Monsoon over Kerala, signaling an optimistic outlook for the upcoming rainy season.

Southwest Monsoon Arrives in Kerala, Advances into Northeast India: IMD

IMD Predicts Monsoon to Hit in Kerala Within 24 Hours

Cyclone Remal Brings Severe Flooding to Manipur: Govt Declares Two-Day Holiday