Rain fury: US asks citizens not to visit Kerala

New Delhi: The US on Thursday issued an advisory, asking its citizens not to visit Kerala because of the flash floods in the state.

In the advisory, the US said the heavy southwest monsoon rain triggered landslides and floods in the state, and American citizens should avoid visiting all affected areas in the state.

"Avoid all areas throughout Kerala affected by landslides and flash floods," it read.

Rain fury: US asks citizens not to visit Kerala — North Kerala districts, including Kannur, bore the brunt of the incessant rainfall

At least 22 people have died in Kerala due to incessant rainfall and flooding in the past two days, the Home Ministry said on Thursday.

Rain fury — Rain caused widespread damage in Adimali, Idukki

Chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan described the situation as 'very grim'.

With water levels rising in various dams and reaching almost their maximum capacity, shutters of at least 24 reservoirs, including Idukki dam, in Kerala have been opened to drain out excess water.

Heavy rain for the past two days and release of water from the Idamalayar dam on Thursday, resulted into localised flooding in low-lying areas in the northern districts of Kerala.

The flood water also triggered landslides at some places.

Read more: Latest Kerala news

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