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Kerala rivers in spate, casualties mount

Surging flood waters inundated more low-lying areas in Kerala following heavy rains during the last four days. Most of the rivers were flowing above the danger mark today.

At least four people -- two in Palakkad and one each in Kottayam and Kannur districts -- were killed in rain-related incidents after the onset of the south west monsoon on May 25, while one person was killed by a wild elephant at Perumala village in Nedumangad this morning.

The wild elephant strayed into the village due to heavy rains in the forest.

Official sources said 28 houses were destroyed and 269 were partially damaged in the state in the last four days. Thiruvananthapuram, Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha and Kollam districts were the worst affected by the rain.

In Thiruvananthapuram district, more than 1,000 houses were submerged in flood waters. The Peppara dam was overflowing today, while five of the six shutters of the Aruvikkara dam were kept open to discharge additional flow of water due to continuous heavy rain in the catchment areas.

More than 130 families were lodged in six relief camps in the district.

Reports from Kollam, Pathanamthitta and Alappuzha said several houses were destroyed and standing crops worth millions of rupees damaged during the past four days.

Sources said more relief camps would be opened in these districts as several areas were likely to be submerged by flood waters by tonight.

Heavy to very heavy rain has been forecast in most parts of the state during the next two days.

Meteorological office sources said Mankompu in Alappuzha district received the maximum of 21 cm rainfall during the past 24 hours.

UNI

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