After CM Vijayan’s charge, Centre says IMD issued requisite warnings

NEWDELHI: The Centre said Monday that the India Meteorological Department (IMD) had issued necessary severe weather warnings for Kerala rains last month, refuting the charge that there were lapses on its part.

IMD representatives apprised the state authorities about the strong monsoon conditions with heavy rainfall activity in a meeting convened by CM Pinayari Vijayan on August 9, according to a statement issued by the ministry of earth sciences (MOES).

“Also the Additional Chief Secretary (Revenue and Disaster Management) was briefed orally over phone on all occasions. Member Secretary, SDMA (State Disaster Management Authority) was briefed on August 10. District collectors of Kollam and Thiruvananthapuram were briefed on August 14. Briefings were sent to media also during this period,” the statement said.

The MOES said the IMD had issued all necessary severe weather warnings and extended forecast range was issued two weeks in advance.

On August 30, the CM had said there were “lapses” on the part of the IMD’S rain forecast during this period. The IMD had forecast an estimated 98.5 mm rain in the state between August 9 and 15. But, the actual rain received was 352.2 mm, Vijayan said.

However, the ministry said orange alerts, which mean authorities should prepare for action, were issued with effect from August 6 while red alert, which means authorities start taking action, was issued with effect from August 9.