State government blames IMD for weather alert shortcomings, insisting rescue operations remained coordinated despite deadly floods and landslides…reports Asian Lite News Desk
The Kerala government on Tuesday strongly defended its handling of the state’s ongoing flood and landslide crisis, with Revenue Minister A.P. Anil Kumar saying any shortcomings in weather warnings rested with the India Meteorological Department (IMD), not the state administration.
The minister said Kerala has no authority to issue independent weather alerts and can only circulate forecasts and warnings issued by the Centre’s weather agency.
His remarks came as the monsoon disaster claimed at least 21 lives, while seven people remain missing. Pathanamthitta, Idukki, Kottayam and several northern districts have been among the worst affected by heavy rainfall, flash floods and landslides.
“If there has been any lapse in issuing weather alerts, it is the responsibility of the IMD,” Anil Kumar said, adding that the state government’s role is limited to disseminating the warnings received from the national weather agency.
The minister’s comments follow growing criticism over the timing and accuracy of weather forecasts after several districts experienced rainfall that residents and local authorities said was far more severe than anticipated.
Acknowledging the need for improvement, Anil Kumar said the existing forecasting and alert mechanism should be strengthened to provide more accurate, location-specific and timely warnings.
He said better forecasts would enable both government agencies and the public to prepare more effectively for extreme weather events and minimise the impact of natural disasters.
Rejecting allegations of administrative failures, the minister defended the government’s disaster management efforts, insisting there had been no breakdown in coordination during rescue and relief operations.
According to him, evacuation, rescue and rehabilitation activities were carried out through close coordination among various departments and emergency response agencies, ensuring timely assistance in affected areas.
He added that any isolated complaints raised during relief operations had been addressed immediately by the authorities.
The government’s defence comes amid increasing scrutiny of Kerala’s disaster preparedness and weather warning systems as the state experiences more frequent and intense extreme weather events linked to the monsoon season.
With heavy rain continuing in several parts of the state, the debate is expected to intensify over the need for more precise forecasting, faster dissemination of weather alerts and improved disaster preparedness to reduce the impact of future floods and landslides.
