How can changing rainfall patterns contribute to floods and landslides in Keralam?

In Keralam, the Western Ghats play a critical role in the state's climate by intercepting monsoon winds and forcing their uplift, which leads to significant annual precipitation. Since the late 20th century, however, rainfall patterns have exhibited increasing variability.1

This shift toward more erratic and intense weather is a trend partly attributed to climate change. When rainfall becomes increasingly variable, it heightens the risk of extreme weather events. Specifically, concentrated bursts of heavy monsoon rain can overwhelm natural drainage systems, leading to severe floods, while the saturation of soil on steep slopes can trigger deadly landslides. These impacts have been evidenced by major disasters, such as the severe flooding in 2018 and the catastrophic landslides in the Wayanad district in 2024.1