Weak monsoon pushes Kerala towards water crisis; rainfall deficit rises to 37%

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: A weak southwest monsoon is pushing Kerala towards a severe crisis, with agriculture, power generation and water resources likely to be hit hard. Most districts have been receiving only isolated rainfall, which is insufficient to recharge groundwater levels or raise water levels in rivers. Daytime temperatures have also risen to around 35 degrees Celsius in several districts.

The rainfall deficit has already affected vegetable cultivation. With below-normal rainfall in neighbouring Tamil Nadu and Karnataka as well, the prices of vegetables and flowers have started rising. This could lead to shortages and higher prices in Kerala during the Onam season.

The state has also been forced to limit hydropower generation due to low water levels in reservoirs. The shortage of rainfall is making it difficult to store enough water in dams for the summer months and could also affect irrigation projects. However, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) expects rainfall to improve this week compared to the past few weeks. The formation of low-pressure systems is likely to bring increased rainfall to the state.

Kerala records 37% rainfall deficit

• Kerala's overall rainfall deficit has risen to 37 per cent. Against the normal rainfall of 1,203.8 mm, the state has received only 760.2 mm till Sunday.
• Idukki and Wayanad have recorded the highest rainfall deficits in the state. Idukki, which plays a key role in Kerala's hydropower generation, has recorded the sharpest decline, with a 62 per cent rainfall deficit. The district received only 573.3 mm of rain against the normal 1,415.6 mm. Wayanad has recorded a 61 per cent rainfall deficit, receiving just 566.2 mm against the normal 1,464.3 mm.

Thiruvananthapuram records near-normal rainfall
Among Kerala's 14 districts, Thiruvananthapuram is the only one to record near-normal rainfall. The district has recorded a rainfall deficit of just 15 per cent, receiving 409.5 mm of rain against the normal 480.3 mm.

Yellow alert in five districts
The IMD has issued a yellow alert for Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur and Kasaragod on Monday, forecasting isolated heavy rainfall in these districts.