Thiruvananthapuram: At least 21 people have been killed in Kerala since Saturday night as a result of the heavy rains that triggered landslides in the districts of Idukki and Kottayam. 13 have been found dead in Kottayam, and eight in Idukki.
At least 12 people were reported missing in Kottayam. All 12 bodies have been recovered, as well as another body of someone who had not been reported missing.
Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan held a high-level meeting to intensify the rescue efforts and said that all means will be used to evacuate people stranded in areas flooded due to heavy rain in the state, including Kottayam.
On the state government's request, the Army, Navy and Air Force have stepped in to help the civil administration handle the situation. The National Disaster Response Force has decided to deploy 11 teams. 33 people, including eight women and seven children, have been rescued so far.
Rain intensity in most parts of Kerala has reduced as of Sunday morning, however, there was continuous rain through Saturday night. No new instances of flooding yet.
Here are the Highlights on the Kerala Rain:
Oct 17, 2021 16:27 (IST)
Reduced rainfall predicted in Kerala today; tomorrow to be clear weather, said Weather Office
There will be a significant reduction in rainfall in Kerala today as compared to Saturday, said Indian Meteorological Department senior scientist Naresh Kumar on Sunday.
There is going to be rainfall of a maximum of 6-7 cm today as compared to the 29 cm of rainfall recorded Saturday. And thereafter, there should be clear weather.
"Yesterday there was a low-pressure area over south-east Arabian sea adjoining Kerala. Today morning it is markedly less. It is weakened today. Because of its effect, yesterday there was extreme rainfall, more than 29 cm rainfall," said Mr Kumar.
Oct 17, 2021 16:11 (IST)
"If it rains heavily at night, it'll create problems," said Kottayam District Collector on search operations amid Kerala floods
"Presently, the situation is under control. If it rains heavily at night, it'll create problems. A total of 12 bodies recovered & postmortem is going on. Body of one person who wasn't on the list also recovered. No other missing persons reported," said Kottayam District Collector PK Jayasree, commenting on the status of recovering the 13 missing persons previously reported in the Kottayam district.
Oct 17, 2021 15:36 (IST)
Kerala Floods: Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan told people to prepare themselves to move to a relief camp
The Central Meteorological Department has warned of thundershowers and strong winds across Kerala till today evening.
With 105 relief camps set up across the state amid heavy rainfall and landslides, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan urged people in the state to remain cautious and prepare themselves to move to a relief camp, higher ground or safer localities if requested by government officials. He also advised against inessential travel.
In a statement issued by the Chief Minister's office Mr Vijayan said, "People should take precautions to avoid accidents. Follow the instructions of the authorities and shift if necessary. Avoid unnecessary trips."
Oct 17, 2021 13:11 (IST)
Kerala Floods: Death count climbs to 15
As more bodies are recovered, the deaths climb to 15, with 12 bodies being found in Kottayam, and 3 in Idukki.
Oct 17, 2021 13:09 (IST)
Kerala Floods: 33 people rescued so far
A total of 33 people, including eight women and seven children, have been rescued so far, according to the National Disaster Response Force.
