Thiruvananthapuram: After incessant downpour wreaked havoc in Idukki, the collector has declared holiday for all educational institutions, excluding professional colleges, in the district on Monday (June 11).
Idukki was one of the worst-affected districts after heavy rain lashed several parts of Kerala on Saturday, killing 13 people in two days. Landslides were reported in the district, causing damage to crops and property.
Four people died on Sunday - two in Thiruvananthapuram and one each at Pathanamthitta and Alappuzha districts in rain-related incidents, officials in the state Control Room for disaster management here said.
The local authorities had to open shutters of the Kallarkutty dam after the water level in the reservoir reached its maximum capacity.
Far north, train services were disrupted in Kozhikode when a tree fell on a railway track near Kadalundi village in the district. Crops and property were damaged in Kozhikode and Kannur districts as well amid rain.
Coastal areas and high-range districts reported sea erosion and land slips due to heavy rain.
Meanwhile, the Peringalkuthu dam in Thrissur has been opened. An alert has been sounded for those living near the Chalakudy river.
Monsoon to gain strength
The India Meteorological Department has forecast heavy rain in Kerala till Wednesday. Sea erosion will be severe in coastal areas and fishermen should be alert, said the IMD warning.
It also forecast likelihood of gusty winds of 60 kmph along the Kerala-Lakshadweep coast. The sea could be rough, and waves could reach a height of 4.5 m. The fishermen have been asked not to venture out to the sea.
Kerala is likely to get seven to 11 cm of rain on Sunday and Monday. On Wednesday, the state is likely to get 20 cm of rain. Those living along the coastal areas and river banks should be alert.
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