Kochi: The Cochin International Airport Ltd (CIAL), Kochi, that suspended all arrivals following the release of water from the Idukki reservoir, has resumed operations.  

The arrivals were suspended around 1.10 pm Thursday after fears that the runway could be flooded.

A CIAL spokesperson said that as the situation has improved they were resuming all operations from 3.05 pm.

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The airport authorities had then said there was no reason for panic and the suspension of operations was only a 'precautionary' measure. CIAL opened a control room for passengers (0484-3053500).

Onmanorama could not independently ascertain the situation as the CIAL PRO was unreachable.

Rain wreaks havoc

At least 20 people were killed as heavy rain and landslides hit parts of Kerala early Thursday.

According to the disaster control room sources, 10 people were killed in landslides in Idukki, five in Malappuram, two in Kannur and one in Wayanad district. Three persons are missing - one each in Wayanad, Palakkad and Kozhikode districts.

Five members of a family lost their lives in Idukki's Adimali town. Two people were pulled out alive from the debris by the local people and police.

Around 600 cusecs of water were discharged from the Idamalayar dam Thursday morning, with the water level rising to 169.95 metres against the full reservoir level of 169 m. A shutter of the Cheruthoni dam of the Idukki reservoir was opened on Thursday, after 26 years. The administration has been put on high-alert.

A National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) team has been moved to Kozhikode that has been reeling under heavy rain.

Educational institutions have declared a holiday in Idukki, Kollam and some other districts due to the rain.

(With PTI Inputs)

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