THE CURSE OF THE RAIN GODS
Kerala is yet again reeling under a deluge with the retreat of the southwest monsoon coinciding with the arrival of its northeast cousin for the third time since 2019. Heavy rains triggered massive landslides, this time in the hilly terrain of central Kerala districts Kottayam, Idukki and Pathanamthitta. The state has received 117 per cent excess rainfall in October, triggering floods in Ernakulam, Alappuzha and Thrissur districts (again in central Kerala). This is the fourth year in a row the rains have played havoc in the state since the 2018 once-in-a-century mega floods.
The recurring floods and drastic changes in weather patterns have alarmed climate experts. “Kerala has seen rapid climatic changes in
