Thiruvananthapuram: Many parts of Kerala, especially cities, were flooded since Wednesday night owing to the heavy rains lashing the state.
Flights service at the Kozhikode international airport were also disrupted. At least five rain related deaths were reported from various parts of the state over the last couple of days.
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan cautioned that there were chances of flash floods and asked people to remain alert.
The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has sounded red alert in Kochi and Thrissur and orange alert in eight districts.
Five rain related deaths were reported over the last few days. No deaths were reported on Thursday.
Many parts of Kochi city were flooded since Wednesday night. Rain water gushed into houses and commercial establishments throwing life out of gear.
Kozhikode and Thrissur cities also faced similar situations. Rain water even entered the Kozhikode medical college hospital and a private hospital in Thrissur.
At Kozhikode parts of the under construction NH service road collapsed causing destruction to some nearby houses. People living near landslide and land slip prone areas were shifted to relief camps and other safe places.
Clogging of drains due to garbage dumping and improper maintenance are being blamed for flooding in cities.
At least five international services from Gulf countries to Kozhikode international airport were affected. An Indigo flight from Bengaluru on Thursday morning was also affected. Some flights were diverted to Mangaluru and Coimbatore airports and some departure flights were cancelled.
Cyclonic circulation over south Kerala leading to a low pressure formation over south-east Arabian sea off Kerala coast is stated to be the reason for the heavy rains. Even as the IMD forecasted that south-west monsoon will hit Kerala by May 31, experts feel that owing the present weather conditions there could be an early onset of monsoon.
Published 23 May 2024, 05:54 IST