What is in news : Heavy rain and landslides are occurring all over southern Kerala

What caused such intense rain:

• A low pressure system developed in the east-central Arabian Sea on October 14, moved closer to Kerala coast and triggered severe weather.
• Under the influence of this system, Kerala experienced heavy to very heavy rain (115.5mm to 204.4mm in 24-hours), and extremely heavy rain (over 204.4mm in 24-hours) in at least six of its southern districts
• Flash floods, mudslides and landslides were reported in most districts located between central and southern Kerala

Is the rainfall associated with the southwest monsoon withdrawal:

• Southwest monsoon withdrawal continues to remain active in the southern peninsula.
• With the withdrawal entering the peninsula regions, southern states, including Kerala, have reported thunderstorms for over a week now.
• But the rainfall during the last four days is mainly a localised phenomenon triggered due to the low-pressure system formed in the Arabian Sea
• While rainfall is common in October in Kerala, associated with the Northeast monsoon, such intense and localised spells are not frequent. This season, the onset of the northeast monsoon is unlikely till next week.