"What we are told is that since some dam shutters was open on account of the heavy rains, the water level increased in and around the airport. As a result, water entered the parking bays and taxiway," a senior official at the airport said.
The famous shiva temple in Aluva being submerged in the Periyar river as it continues to flow threateningly near the danger levels. An alert has been issued in several villages around the river.
Cochin International Airport Limited director ACK Nair told IANS that this is the first time such an incident has happened since the airport opened in 1999.
After incessant heavy rain for the last 48 hours, the government in Kerala has asked the army and navy for assistance with rescue and relief operations; landslides have blocked access to a major highway in Adimali, popular with tourists.
