Flood situation worsens in Kerala; death toll rises to 67

The flood situation has worsened in Kerala as more than 27 people lost their lives in the last 24 hours taking the death toll to 67 in one week. Where as landslides caused heavy damages and death in northern districts, heavy flooding due to over flowing rivers submerged the districts in central Kerala.

The Met Department has predicted that heavy rain accompanied by gusty winds will continue till Saturday across the state. A red has been issued in all the 14 districts and holiday has been declared for all educational institutions across the state today. 

Railroad air traffic is hit due to heavy rain.Kochi airport has been closed till  Saturday.In Pathanamthitta district where hundreds are stranded due to heavy flooding, the rescue operations led by Army are progressing on war



footing.

Landslides hit several places in Malabar apart from Wayanad and Idukki. Heavy rain continues in Thiruvananthapuram and Kollam districts as well submerging low lying areas here.

Altogether, 34 dams have been opened and all the 44 rivers are overflowing. Since the water level in mullaperiyar dam reached its maximum capacity of 142 feet, high have been issued in the area. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan called up on his Tamil Nadu counterpart and asked to take urgent steps to reduce water in Mullaperiyar dam. 

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, held detailed discussion with Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan regarding the situation in the state. In a tweet, Mr Modi said, the Centre stands firmly with the people and is ready to provide any assistance needed.