Kerala Rains: Three killed in landslide in Kozhikode; death toll reaches 26

Incessant rains which have wreaked havoc in parts of Kerala claimed three more lives on Thursday after a landslide due to heavy rainfall in Kozhikode's Kattipara area. Search and rescue operation is currently underway in the area where 8 people are feared trapped.

At least 26 people have been killed in rain-related incidents in the state since the onset of the south west monsoon last month. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has directed chief secretary and district collectors for immediate action.

On Wednesday, two men-- a 82-year old and a 20-year old -- drowned in flooded rivers in Pathanamthitta.

A total of 272 houses were partially damaged, while eight were fully damaged across Kerala in the rains, officials at the State Control room for Disaster management said yesterday. Landslips and damage to roads were reported from Idukki, Waynad, Kozhikode districts. 

Officials have asked people to avoid travel during the night in the hilly areas of Idukki district.

The Bharathapuzha, one of the major rivers in the state, was in spate, as also the Bhavni and Siruvani in Palakkad district, the officials said.

The Idukki and Mullaperiyar reservoirs received good inflows as the catchment areas have been receiving heavy rains for the past four days.

The water level in Idukki dam touched 2,324.50 feet, nearly half its capacity, while that in Mullaperiyar stood at 117 feet.

Shutters of major reservoirs in Idukki district were opened after the water level crossed the maximum limit.

A Kozhikode report said heavy rains washed away a bridge connecting Kerala and Karnataka, affecting traffic.

Kannur District Collector Mir Muhammed Ali said more than 100 trees were uprooted at various places on the inter-state road. A team of 60 army personnel under the supervision of the Sub-Collector were engaged in road clearing work, he said, adding, that movement of vehicles would be allowed only after they certify it fit for use.