Heavy rains in Kerala, low-lying areas waterlogged

Heavy monsoon rains today lashed Kerala since morning leaving many low-lying areas waterlogged.
Rain and thundershowers are most likely to occur at several places in the next five days, a weather bulletin issued by the local Met office said today.
Piravom in Ernakulam district recorded 11 cm of rainfall while Nedumangad in the state capital recorded 8 cm. Kollam, Vaikom and Kanjirappally in Kottayam district witnessed 7 cm each, it said.
In Mankada in Malappuram district, a portion of a school building collapsed under impact of the heavy rains but a major disaster was averted as today was holiday being a Sunday.

Low-lying areas in Kollam and Kuttanad were waterlogged and many people have shifted to safer places, officials said.
Fishermen have been warned that strong winds from westerly direction speed occasionally reaching 45-55 kmph are likely along and off Kerala coast.