EnvironmentTuesday, 4 August 2026·The Hindu - National
Kerala rain disaster planning: IMD 125-year dataset, 110 stations and red-zone mapping for extreme rainfall
A report on Kerala highlights IMD’s 125-year rainfall dataset and vulnerability mapping for extreme rainfall-prone districts.
Key highlights
Direct fact
In August 2026, a report on Kerala cited the IMD’s 125-year rainfall dataset (1901–2025) from 110 weather stations to map extreme-rainfall vulnerability across the State.
Key specifics
- IMD data covered 110 weather stations in Kerala from 1901 to 2025.
- Weather scientists used machine learning and GIS techniques to prepare the rainfall vulnerability map.
- North Kerala, Idukki and Pathanamthitta were identified as highly susceptible regions, especially along the Western Ghats.
- Red zones in the map indicate areas that have experienced extreme rainfall repeatedly over 125 years.
- The recent debris slip in Wayanad last month claimed 8 lives and occurred in a red-zone area.
Exam lens
Environment and disaster-management MCQ focus: IMD dataset, 1901–2025, 110 stations, GIS mapping, red/orange/green zones; TNPSC may ask which Kerala regions are most vulnerable to extreme rainfall.