HEAVY RAINS LASH KERALA, 20 DEAD AND SEVERAL MISSING

Kerala has been facing the brunt of heavy rains for more than two weeks now. According to reports from NDTV, 20 people were killed in landslides due to the rains and several reported missing. The 20 people have been identified with eleven from Idukki district, six in Malappuram, two in Kozhikode and one in Wayanad.

Kochi airport reportedly suspended all arrivals from the domestic and international terminal on Thursday for two hours over the fear of flooding. Arrivals resumed after 3.05 pm.

Due to the heavy rains, 22 dams have been opened in Kerala over the last 2-3 weeks. The shutters of the Idukki dam which has been closed for 26 years, was also opened.