Hundreds of houses have damaged across Kerala in the rains.
Highlights
- 27 people have been killed due to the rains and nine are reported missing
- Around 45 relief camps have been set up across to aid displaced people
- The rains have also caused severe damage to the crops
In about two weeks since the southwest monsoon hit Kerala, 27 people have been
killed due to heavy rain, including a nine-year-old girl who was among the three who died in a landslide today in Kattipara village in Thamarassery. Around 10 people are suspected to be missing in Kozhikode. Rescue operations are underway to trace them.
Several districts of Kerala, including Kozhikode, Alappuzha have reported waterlogging and hilly areas of Malappuram, Wayanad have witnessed landslides. The rain has also caused major damage to crops.
Schools have been closed today in Kottayam, Alappuzha, Kozhikode and Wayanad. Several other educational institutions too shall remain closed today in worst-affected regions of these districts.
Hundreds of houses have damaged across Kerala in the rains, officials at the disaster management department said. Land slips and damaged roads were reported from Idukki, Wayanad, Kozhikode districts. Officials have asked people to
avoid travel at night in the hilly areas of Idukki district.
The Bharathapuzha, one of the major rivers in the state, is in full spate, so are the Bhavani and Siruvani rivers, the officials said.
Over 100 trees were uprooted at various places and a bridge, connecting Kerala and Karnataka, washed away affecting traffic on the inter-state road. A team of 60 army personnel were engaged in clearing the debris.
Around 45 relief camps have been set up across Kerala to ensure safety of people living in waterlogged areas or near the coast.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted heavy to very heavy rainfall for the next five days, especially in northern parts of Kerala and several more relief camps are expected to be opened up. High waves are also expected along the coast and fishermen have been advised to be cautious while venturing into the sea.