THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Six people were killed and several people were reported missing after heavy rains lashed Kerala on Saturday.

4 people were killed and 9 people went missing following landslides in Kootikal in Kottayam. There are also unconfirmed reports that three of the missing are dead. Six members of the same family went missing in the region.

Meanwhile, seven houses were destroyed in a landslide in Kokkayar in Idukki. Seven people, including 4 children, went missing.

Heavy rains continue in southern districts and central Kerala. Kottayam, Idukki and Kollam districts received the highest rainfall.

A car with two people who were asked not to go forward near Thodupuzha in Idukki district was swept away by the gushing waters and a few hours later the dead bodies were recovered by the locals who swung into action.

Consequent to the rains the authorities have issued a red alert in 6 districts while another 6 districts are on orange alert and two districts are under yellow alert, thereby indicating that all the 14 districts in the state are experiencing heavy rains.

Heavy rains have been lashing the state starting Friday evening leaving roads at several places flooded and normal traffic affected at several places.

The Indian Meteorological Department has warned of more rains on Sunday also.