Kerala: Met department confirms monsoon arrival, heavy rains claim one life

The South-West monsoon has hit Kerala, confirmed the Met Department on Wednesday.

"The South-west monsoon has set in over Kerala and Lakshadweep," said K Santosh, head of India Meteorological Department's regional centre in Thiruvananthapuram.

IMD now expects the monsoon to hit the other parts of India. A report in Mint states that the IMD declares the onset of monsoon if 60% of 14 tracking stations in Kerala and Karnataka report rainfall of 2.5 mm or more for 48 hours. Criteria related to wind also need to be fulfilled. 

The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) Chief has stated that the severe weather conditions would continue in western and eastern parts of Rajasthan, western Haryana, some parts of Gujarat and western Madhya Pradesh.

Meanwhile, a 36-year-old man died following a landslip in Idukki district. Jobi John, former SFI Idukki district president, died and his mother was seriously injured when mounds of earth and rocks fell on their home following heavy rains at Vazhavara early today, police said. However, his father escaped unhurt and informed neighbours who engaged in rescue operation. The mother's condition is stated to be serious and she has been taken to a hospital in Kochi for expert treatment.

Thiruvananthapuram district authorities are taking precautionary steps like restricting flow of tourists to hill stations like Ponmudi in view of heavy rains. People are also being advised to avoid travelling during night on hilly roads.

(With Agency inputs)