IMD Issues Rainfall Warnings and Red Alert for Kerala

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued significant rainfall warnings and a red alert for Kerala. Despite forecasts, heavy rain-induced landslides claimed 150 lives in Wayanad. Union Home Minister Amit Shah criticized Kerala's response, while Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan highlighted inaccuracies in IMD predictions.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued significant rainfall warnings along India's west coast, including a red alert for Kerala, effective July 30, according to IMD chief Mrutyunjay Mohapatra.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah criticized the Kerala government for allegedly ignoring the Centre's warning about potential natural calamities in Wayanad, where heavy rain-induced landslides claimed over 150 lives on July 30.

In response, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan claimed that the IMD had only issued an orange alert prior to the landslides, although rainfall in the district exceeded 572 mm, far more than IMD's forecast.

(With inputs from agencies.)