The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a red alert for Wayanad, a district in Kerala that was severely affected by landslides triggered by heavy rain on July 30. The alert warns of heavy rainfall and the potential for flash floods in the ecologically sensitive area.

On Wednesday, the IMD had already issued an orange alert, advising preparedness for such extreme weather conditions. The forecast predicted rainfall ranging from 7 to 11 cm in 24 hours, with the possibility of very heavy rainfall reaching up to 20 cm in Wayanad and Kozhikode.

The red alert signifies a high risk of severe weather and urges immediate action. The IMD had previously issued a similar orange alert for Wayanad the day before the deadly landslides.

A global team of 24 scientists from India, Sweden, the US, and the UK has reported that the landslides were exacerbated by an intense burst of rainfall, which was 10% heavier due to climate change. The team noted that over 140 mm of rain fell in one day on already saturated soil, leading to the catastrophic landslides and flooding.

Researchers have also pointed to other contributing factors, such as deforestation, mining in sensitive areas, and prolonged monsoon rains followed by intense precipitation.

In response to criticism from the Kerala government, which claimed that the IMD failed to predict the extreme rainfall, IMD chief Mrutyunjay Mohapatra clarified that the department had issued forecasts and alerts for significant rainfall along the west coast of India. The red alert for Kerala was issued early on July 30, following a series of warnings that started on July 25.

Mohapatra explained that the IMD's long-range forecast indicated heavy rainfall from July 25 to August 1. The warning levels were adjusted from yellow to orange and finally to red as the situation developed.

Nehru Trophy Boat Race Postponed Due to Wayanad Landslide, Rescheduled for Sept

Search Efforts in Wayanad Landslides Continue for 10th Day as More Cadaver Dogs Deployed

Kerala Launches Task Force to Expedite Insurance Claims for Wayanad Landslide Victims