The remnant of erstwhile very severe cyclone 'Thane,' now a low-pressure area, seems to have reserved the best (or worst, depending on how one chose to look at it) in terms of rainfall for southern Kerala.
At least five people are estimated to have lost their lives in reported cases of drowning or building collapse in Thiruvananthapuram city.
Contrary to forecasts, the 'Thane' remnant made a sharp south-southwest turn in its track from last night, landing the system right over north Kerala.
The hyper-active southern flanks of the system are mainly responsible for setting off the heavy to very heavy rains and bringing flooding conditions to the southern districts, including the State Capital.
Thiruvananthapuram city recorded 18 cm of very heavy rainfall during the 24 hours ending this morning. The torrential rains had started late the previous night at 10 p.m., and is still continuing, after a temporary break at 11 a.m. this morning.
Even Puducherry, that bore the brunt of Thane with wind speeds reaching 140 km/hr during landfall, had recorded only 15 cm rainfall, according to the India Meteorological Department.
But the remnant circulation over Kerala is sweeping in moisture from both the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal, thanks to the access to both the seas on either side of the peninsula that tapers off towards the South.
Most of the low-lying areas in Thiruvananthapuram have been flooded, with road traffic thrown out of gear since morning. The rains could last in varied intensities until tomorrow morning, says the Met Department.
Top State Government officials convened an emergency meeting in the morning here today to discuss flood relief measures on a war-footing, but the pelting rains are posing a major challenge.