Flash floods, strong winds, thunderstorms, and hazard hotspots in Kerala, researchers have identified.

We have seen the torrential rains in Sri Lanka and Tamil Nadu. The death toll in Sri Lanka is approaching 400. Damage and deaths were also reported in Tamil Nadu. The cause of all this is the Dit Va cyclone. Now, the Meteorological Department has warned that there is a possibility of rain with thunderstorms for five days in Kerala. Meanwhile, a new study says that these can be identified earlier. Strong convective storms with thunderstorms are common in Kerala during the pre-monsoon and post-monsoon seasons. Lightning, strong winds, and heavy rains cause great damage in a short time. This study shows that such storms are seen more in the pre-monsoon season and this increases the multifaceted risk in many parts of the state.

Residents of Kottayam, Idukki and Pathanamthitta districts should be more careful

These rapidly forming large clouds mainly create three hazards - lightning, gusty winds and unexpected heavy rain. Researchers have identified major hazard hotspots in Kerala by examining the areas where such lightning clouds occur the most and their intensity. The areas where lightning accidents occur do not necessarily have high winds and rain. According to the findings of the study, Kottayam, Ernakulam, Idukki and Pathanamthitta are the districts with the highest risk. While the coastal areas receive the heaviest rainfall, thunderstorms and rain are occurring regularly in the Western Ghats hills and foothills. While the most intense rainfall occurs in the coastal area from Ernakulam to North Kerala, these occur most in South Kerala - due to which there is a higher chance of landslides and flash floods here.

Study helps governments prepare for more rapid weather events

Overall, this study shows which regions in Kerala are most vulnerable to cumulus-related weather hazards. This information will help communities and governments to reduce risk and build stronger preparedness and resilience.

Identifying hazards early

This study is the first to provide a detailed look at the combined hazards of cumulus clouds in Kerala during the pre-monsoon season, particularly the way deep, high clouds can quickly generate strong gusts. Using satellite imagery, IMD rain gauge data, and Automatic Weather Station (AWS) data, the researchers have clearly documented which regions in Kerala are most vulnerable to various types of cumulus-related hazards. The study shows how the formation and intensity of such clouds vary across different regions. This helps us understand where such cumulus-related hazards are likely to have the strongest impacts in Kerala.

Prof. Abhilash, Director, Advanced Centre for Atmospheric Radar Research, CUSAT, Krishnakumar E. K., Abhiram Nirmal C. S., and Prabhat H. Kurup participated in the research. The findings of the study have been published in the international journal Geomatics, Natural Hazards and Risk.