Field Survey Report – Present Status of IMD RG network in Kerala and locations for the establishment of AWS

The report documents a field survey conducted in April 2019 by the Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA) to assess the present status of the India Meteorological Department’s (IMD) rain gauge (RG) network in Kerala. The survey was initiated after the 2018 floods highlighted significant gaps in the density and coverage of weather observation infrastructure across the state. Following a formal request from the Government of Kerala, IMD planned to deploy 100 Automatic Weather Stations (AWS) and additional manual rain gauges, requiring systematic identification of suitable sites.

Based on the analysis, the report identifies priority locations where new AWS installations would add the most value, avoiding duplication with existing IMD or ISRO systems. The findings support a phased approach to strengthening Kerala’s hydro-meteorological monitoring network, with remaining AWS and rain gauge locations to be finalized using the state’s hazard vulnerability profile. Overall, the report contributes to improved early warning capacity, better rainfall data coverage, and enhanced disaster risk management planning for flood-prone and high-risk areas in Kerala.

Phase 2 of they field survey conducted by the Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA) identifies suitable locations for the deployment of Automatic Weather Stations (AWS) and additional rain gauge stations across Kerala. The report documents detailed site-level information, including ownership, coordinates, land dimensions, access conditions, and operational considerations, resulting in the identification and prioritization of additional locations to meet the state-wide allocation of 100 AWS units.