IMD Warns of Heavy Rainfall and Landslides: Kerala's Wayanad Devastated

The India Meteorological Department issued warnings about significant rainfall, predicting heavy rain along India's west coast and specifically in Kerala. Despite alerts, over 150 lives were lost in Wayanad due to landslides. Union Home Minister Amit Shah criticized Kerala's handling of the disaster, while Kerala's Chief Minister countered by noting inaccuracies in rainfall predictions.

IMD chief Mrutyunjay Mohapatra announced that the India Meteorological Department had issued regular forecasts for significant rainfall along India's west coast, including a red alert for Kerala on July 30, when Wayanad district experienced deadly landslides.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah criticized the Kerala government for not acting on the Centre's warning about possible severe weather in Wayanad due to heavy rainfall.

In response, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan contended that the IMD had only provided an orange alert, and the district saw rainfall exceeding initial predictions.