Rain fury: 3 killed as late monsoon burst wreaks havoc in Kerala [Video]
- Three persons have been killed, while a Kothamangalam native has been reported missing after he was caught in the floods.
- The state authorities have declared holiday for all schools, colleges and and all other educational institutions on Monday.
- Houses and roads were damaged in various parts. Gates of six dams across the state have been opened.
FollowAt least three persons, including a 9-year-old girl, have been killed as a late monsoon burst continues to batter Kerala, triggering landslides and causing water-logging across the state.
Athira, a class 3 student from Palakkad, died when she fell into pit, which was filled by the heavy rains. Kannur native, Mohammed Kunji, 58, was killed when a coconut tree fell on him due to the heavy rain, while and migrant labourer Christuraj, 20, died when a rock fell on him while he was clearing water-logging in Panoor.
Meanwhile, a Kothamangalam native has been reported missing after he was caught in the floods. Houses and roads were damaged in various parts. Gates of six dams across the state have been opened.
Kerala has been put on high alert after experiencing the heaviest downpour in five years. With the predictions of heavy spells to continue in the coming days, the state authorities have declared holiday for all schools, colleges and and all other educational institutions on Monday.
Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has asked the disaster management and fire and rescue service departments to be on high alert. In a statement, the CM has urged the public to take utmost care, especially to the ones living near the coast, banks of rivers and hilly areas.
India Meteorological department officials have forecast very heavy rainfall in across Kerala and heavy showers in Lakshadweep for the next two days.
According to authorities, several parts of Palakkad is experiencing heavy rain for the past three days and widespread distruction and agricultural crop loss have been reported in the interior areas.
Many parts of high range Idukki and coastal Alappuzha district also experienced heavy rains. Water-logging caused traffic blocks in some parts of Kochi.
Fishermen have been warned about strong winds blowing from southwesterly direction with an occasional speed of 45-55 kmph along the Kerala coast and over Lakshadweep area during the next 24 hours.
