Heavy rains in Kerala likely to continue till June 30

Thiruvananthapuram: South West Monsoon, which picked up momentum after a lull onset, is predicted to bring heavy downpour, exceeding seven cm, in isolated places in Kerala till June 30, regional meteorological station has said.

Incessant rains in the last two days caused water-logging in various parts of the state and brought low-lying areas under water, especially in the southern parts.

The shutters of the nearby Neyyar Dam, was opened following which several areas in the city were water-logged. Authorities sounded alert and asked the locals residents to be vigilant.

Landslide was reported in Kattappana and Rajakkad in high range Idukki district Saturday but no casualty was reported, officials said.

With monsoon becoming stronger with each passing day, the government has intensified measures to check the spread of contagious diseases in the state.

State health minister, V S Sivakumar, said medicines, worth Rs 30 crores, have already been stocked.

The government has also launched the state-level inauguration of 'Jagratha', a comprehensive preventive-cum-awareness drive on contagious fevers here today.

As part of the drive, screening teams would be deployed for monitoring migrant labour camps in the state throughout the monsoon season, the minister said.

Perumkadavila in Thiruvananthapuram received the heaviest rains in the state-15 cm, in the last 24 hours followed by Kayamkulam (Alappuzha district)-14 cm, Thiruvananthapuram City, Nedumangad (Thiruvananthapuram district) and Mavelikkara (Alappuzha district)-12 cm each, according to the regional meteorological station.

"Southwest monsoon has been active over Kerala. Rain occurred at a few places in Lakshadweep," it said.

Strong winds from westerly direction, occasionally speeding 45-55 kmph, is likely along and off Kerala coast and over Lakshadweep area during next 24 hours, it said.