26 killed as rains wreak havoc in Kerala, 2 more shutters of Idukki dam opened

At least 26 people have died in Kerala due to incessant rainfall in the past two days, resulting into localised flooding in low-lying areas in the northern districts of Kerala.

The flood water also triggered landslides at some places. With water levels rising in various dams and reaching almost their maximum capacity, shutters of at least 22 reservoirs in Kerala have been opened to drain out excess water. 

An inter-ministerial team of the central government is also visiting the flood-affected areas in Kerala, while Army troops are being mobilised from Bengaluru for deployment in the rain-battered southern state.

Two more shutters of Idukki dam were opened today morning, increasing the water flow into the Periyar river to 125 cuses. 

Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan described the situation as "very grim".

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi today spoke with Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan in the wake of heavy rains and floods in the state, and offered all possible assistance to those affected.

"Spoke to Kerala CM Shri Pinarayi Vijayan and discussed the situation arising due to floods in various parts of the state. Offered all possible assistance to those affected. We stand shoulder to shoulder with the people of Kerala in the wake of this calamity," the PM said in a tweet.

Minister of State for Tourism K J Alphons told the media earlier in the day that personnel from the the army, the navy and air force will reach Kerala shortly to assist in the rescue and relief operations.

To augment the deployment, four additional teams were airlifted from Rajali Airbase, Arakkonam, to Kozhikode, fully equipped with lifesaving equipment and armed with modern communication gadgets, including satellite phones.

The NDRF also said that additional teams were kept on standby at Arakkonam and would be mobilised as per demand.

The US also issued an advisory, asking its citizens not to visit Kerala because of the flash floods in the state.

In the advisory, the US said the heavy southwest monsoon rains triggered landslides and floods in the state, and American citizens should avoid visiting all affected areas in the state.

(With agency inputs)