IMD issued severe weather warnings for Kerala in advance: Centre

Thiruvananthapuram, September 4: The central government has said that India Meteorological Department (IMD) had issued necessary severe weather warnings for Kerala rains two weeks in advance. According to a statement issued by the Ministry of Earth Sciences, IMD representatives apprised the state authorities about the strong monsoon conditions with heavy rainfall activity in a meeting convened by Chief Minister Pinayari Vijayan on 9th August.

 

“Also the Additional Chief Secretary (Revenue and Disaster Management) was briefed orally over the phone on all occasions. Member Secretary, SDMA (State Disaster Management Authority) was briefed on August 10. District collectors of Kollam and Thiruvananthapuram were briefed on August 14. Briefings were sent to media also during this period,” the statement said.

The Ministry said, an orange alert, which means authorities should prepare for action, were issued with effect from 6th August, while red, which means authorities should start taking necessary action, was issued on 9th of August.

On 30th August, the Chief Minister in the state assembly had said there were lapses on the part of the IMD's rain forecast during this period. The CM had said, the IMD forecast an estimated 98.5 mm rain in the state between August 9 and 15 but the actual rain received was 352.2 mm.