Thiruvananthapuram: Heavy rainfall and landslides has caused flood-like situation in the state of Kerala claiming as many as eight lives. Red alert has been issued across the districts of Idukki, Malappuram and Kozhikode.
National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has deployed five teams across these districts. Cochin Airport will remain temporarily closed until 12am on Friday and shutters of several dams in Kerala have been opened as heavy rains continued to lash the state.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan held an emergency meeting with cabinet colleagues and reportedly decided to approach the Centre for 10 additional NDRF teams, considering the prevailing situation in the state.
According to sources, Eight people have been reported dead following the heavy downpour, which is reminisent of the flood situation of 2018. Around 40 people were suspected to be trapped under the debris of a huge landslide that affected in Wayanad.
Earlier today, flooding was reported in Nilambur and Perinthalmanna areas of Malappuram district due to heavy rainfall in northern districts of the state. Fire brigade team were deployed for rescue operations.
Thrissur, Palakkad, Wayanad, Kannur and Kasaragod were issued 'Orange Alerts' for today. In addition, all schools and colleges in Malappuram and Wayanad districts will remain closed.
Meanwhile, 'Orange Alert' warnings were issued for Idukki, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad and Kasargod districts for Friday.
For Saturday, two districts- Idukki and Kozhikode have been issued 'Orange Alert' warnings.
Indian Meteorological Department on Wednesday had predicted 'fairly widespread' to 'widespread rainfall' with isolated heavy to very heavy rainfall in the state of Kerala for the next three days.
'Red Alert' warning denotes that an area will receive very heavy to extremely heavy rainfall.
An 'Orange Alert' warning denotes heavy to very heavy rainfall in a particular area.
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