Heavy rain continues in Kerala; death toll rises to three, extensive damages

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Heavy rains which continued to lash many parts of Kerala claimed the lives of three including two kids after their house near Karipur collapsed early on Tuesday. The other death was reported from Kollam and he has been identified as Govindaraj (65) of Nagamala in Kollam.

The two children died after their house collapsed in the heavy rain. Rizana aged eight and seven-month old Rinzan are the two dead. The incident happened Tuesday early morning at 5 am at Mathamkulam in Karipur. Muhammed Kutty is the owner of the house. The two were children of Aboobacker Siddique and Sumayya. Although the two seriously injured were taken to the hospital, their lives could not be saved. Rains are still lashing the district.

Orange alert has been sounded in nine districts and yellow alert in four districts. The warning was issued in all districts except Thiruvananthapuram. The Kozhikode-Palakkad road has been flooded. Widespread landslides occurred in Mavoor and Chathamangalam. Although traffic was disrupted after trees uprooted in Attappadi pass, it was partially restored. Athirappilly road was closed due to floods. A tree fell on the road at Nelliyampathi pass.

Kuppathode river at Pariyarath Chalakudy overflowed. Houses have been submerged. Athirappilly tourist centre has been closed. As the water level rose, the shutters of the Peringalkuthu dam have been opened. Kanjirapuzha, Pichi, Parambikulam and Thunakkadavu dams opened. Twenty-five houses in Punalur were flooded. Traffic to Ernakulam Thalukandam Ponginchuvadu tribal colonies has come to a standstill. Water level rises at Aluva Manappuram.