By Matters India Reporter
Kozhikode: At least seven people, including three children, were killed and several people went missing as torrential Monsoon rains continue to lash various parts of the southern Indian state of Kerala.
The worst affected are the Malabar districts of Kozhikode, Kannur and Wayanad.
The death toll in the landslide in Karinchola in Kozhikode district rose to five after one more body was recovered on June 14.
The authorities have issued red alert to six Kozhikode, Malappuram, Wayanad, Kannur, Kasargod and Palakkad districts.
Following the heavy rain, Kannur Makkoottam ghatt road was closed till July 12.
The heavy rain in June 13 night resulted in landslide in hilly regions of Kozhikode. Five including three children were killed in the landslide at Karinchola.
Rescue teams are searching for missing people in swollen rivers.
Huge destructions were reported in this region after a bund constructed by a private party on atop of the hill went collapsed in the heavy rain.
The Disaster Response Force alerted that heavy rain will continue in the state till June 18.
Orange alert has been issued for Idukki, Kottayam and Alappuzha districts. National Water Commission alerted on flooding in rivers in the state
In about two weeks since the southwest monsoon hit Kerala, 27 people have been killed due to heavy rain.
Several districts such as Kozhikode and Alappuzha have reported waterlogging and hilly areas of Malappuram, Wayanad have witnessed landslides. The rain has also caused major damage to crops.
Schools have been closed June 14 in Kottayam, Alappuzha, Kozhikode and Wayanad. Several other educational institutions too were closed in worst-affected regions of these districts.
Hundreds of houses have damaged across Kerala in the rains, officials at the disaster management department said. Land slips and damaged roads were reported from Idukki, Wayanad, Kozhikode districts. Officials have asked people to avoid travel at night in the hilly areas of Idukki district.
The Bharathapuzha, one of the major rivers in the state, is in full spate, so are the Bhavani and Siruvani rivers, the officials said.
Over 100 trees were uprooted at various places and a bridge, connecting Kerala and Karnataka, washed away affecting traffic on the inter-state road. A team of 60 army personnel were engaged in clearing the debris.
The India Meteorological Department has predicted heavy to very heavy rainfall for the next five days, especially in northern parts of Kerala and several more relief camps are expected to be opened up. High waves are also expected along the coast and fishermen have been advised to be cautious while venturing into the sea.