Kerala rains: Death toll rise to 22, third red alert issued

As reports of more deaths from different parts of Kerala started coming in, the death toll touched 22.

While 11 people died in Idukki district, five more deaths were reported from Malappuram district. The deluge caused three deaths in Waynad and two in Kannur.

The inundation has been so severe that the administration was compelled to vacate over a 100 houses in the vicinity.

Approximately 951 people have been rehabilitated in the district as the low-lying residential areas have submerged in water.

The heavy downpour, caused by annual south-west monsoon, has also hampered the train services between Kanjikode and Walayar and adversely affected flight services in the Cochin International Airport (CIAL).

Four more teams of National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) have already left from Chennai. Three NDRF teams are already tackling the situation in fire-fighting mode.

"We have sought help from the Army, Navy, Coast Guard, and NDRF. 3 NDRF teams have arrived, 2 teams to arrive soon and 6 additional NDRF teams have been called in. Nehru Trophy Boat Race has been cancelled," said Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan while addressing a press conference.

The incessant rains caused rivers in the region to swell, urging the authorities to open the shutters of as many as 22 dams, including the Cheruthoni dam on Idukki reservoir.

Meanwhile, the inclement weather has forced the Kerala state electricity board to issue a third red alert in the connection.

The dam at the Idukki reservoir which was opened today for the first time in 26 years will be reopened tomorrow morning to maintain the water level.