Six killed as heavy rains hit Kerala
Several roads in Kerala’s commercial capital, Kochi, are inundated
Many parts of Kerala experienced continuous rain for more than 24 hours starting on Sunday, bringing normal life to a halt across the state yesterday.
Six people were reported killed in rain-related incidents in different parts of the state. One of those killed, identified as Tomy, 55. The Ernakulam district native lost his life as he could not access medical assistance in time.
In Alappuzha, an uprooted tree fell on a train, halting train services for over an hour. In other incidents, uprooted trees fell on half a dozen vehicles.
Heavy rains forecast
District collectors in eight of Kerala’s 14 districts had declared a holiday for educational institutions yesterday, considering the heavy showers on Sunday.
The Met department has forecast heavy rains in Kerala until tomorrow.
Several roads in Kerala’s commercial capital, Kochi were waterlogged by the rain ■ waters, including the arterial Mahatma Gandhi Road. The railway tracks at the Kochi railway station were also submerged.
The Alappuzha-Changanacherry road was also submerged, forcing state and private bus operators to suspend trips. High intensity winds were expected, and fishermen had been advised not to venture into the sea.
In north Kerala, there was widespread destruction in Ponnani and Changaramkulam in Malappuram district following powerful winds.
A barge, believed to be from the Arabian Gulf, was spotted on the Alappuzha coast at Neerkunnam, apparently blown to the coast by the strong sea winds. No communication was immediately possible with its occupants, but three people were seen to be moving within the vessel. Police informed the coast guard about the incident.
The AlappuzhaChanganacherry road was also submerged, forcing state and private bus operators to suspend trips. Fishermen were advised not to venture into sea.