Heavy rains lash Kerala

Thiruvananthapuram: Heavy rains continue across Kerala leaving eight people dead, two others missing and causing huge damage to property in many districts.

The worst-affected districts include the capital district, Kozhikode, Pathanamthitta, Kottayam, Kollam, Malappuram. The small dams in these districts were reported to be full and small streams in most places were overflowing.

Three died in Pathanamthitta, two in Kollam, one each in Kozhikode, Malappuram and Thiruvananthapuram. Two Thiruvananthapuram natives went missing after they fell into strong water current in Thrissur. As many as 25 homes have been fully damaged while nearly 100 homes have been partially destroyed and 27 relief camps have been opened at various places in the states, according to official reports.

In Palakkad district alone, the loss from the rain fury is estimated to be around Rs 14 crore even as the total destruction of crops in the state is yet to be accounted for. The rains this time have affected both low-lying and hilly areas.

The heavy rains have damaged the roads and are witnessing heavy traffic jams. The state administration is closely monitoring the situation and in some districts, all educational institutions are closed for the past few days.

The meteorological department has alerted that heavy showers are expected to continue till Sunday. The government has issued alerts to avoid night journey along high ranges in view of of possible landslips. The district collectors have also been instructed to face any emergency situation. Warnings have been issued to fishermen to be vigilant while venturing into sea.