Kozhikode faced severe disruptions on May 11, 2026, due to intense summer rain and gusty winds battering northern regions. This unseasonal downpour transformed peaceful hilly and low-lying areas into scenes of chaos, highlighting the district’s vulnerability to extreme weather.
Impacted Areas and Immediate Damage
The hardest-hit locations spanned Nadapuram, Valayam, Kallachi, Perambra, and Vilangad, where uprooted trees blocked roads, waterlogging submerged streets, and power outages left residents in the dark. In Nadapuram town, a key stretch of the state highway flooded around 3 PM, snarling traffic for over an hour and flooding shops as drains overflowed due to delayed pre-monsoon cleaning. Near MET College in Nadapuram, a coconut tree crashed onto a house, causing partial damage but no injuries; similarly, Perambra bypass saw three houses and three vehicles damaged by falling trees. Vilangad, scarred by a major 2024 landslide, endured heavy rain that reignited fears among locals in precarious zones. Major roads faced blockages from debris, while low-lying commercial spots saw water ingress, amplifying economic losses for traders.
Emergency Response Efforts
Fire and Rescue Services, police, Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) teams, and locals swiftly mobilized for clearances and aid. They focused on removing fallen trees, restoring power, and supporting displaced families amid ongoing gusts. No casualties were reported, a relief amid the widespread infrastructure strain. Authorities issued cautions for hilly, landslide-prone areas, aligning with IMD forecasts of continued showers and winds through mid-May 2026.
This event echoes recurring pre-monsoon fury in Kozhikode, with similar 2025 rains damaging over 120 houses, submerging roads like Mavoor Road, and causing ₹5.8 crore in crop losses across 108 hectares. Urumi in Kozhikode often records extreme downpours, like 17-21 cm in short bursts, exacerbating vulnerabilities in rural panchayats. IMD’s yellow alerts for May 6-11 predicted 7-11 cm rains in districts including Kozhikode, urging vigilance against thunderstorms and 50-60 km/h winds. Past incidents, such as 2023 summer rains destroying homes in Kavilumpara, underscore the need for better drainage and early preparedness.
Read more at: https://www.onmanorama.com/news/kerala/2026/05/11/heavy-summer-rain-strong-winds-wreak-havoc-in-kozhikode.html