Rains continue to wreak havoc in Kerala, toll rises to 109

Thiruvananthapuram, July 6 (UNI) The toll in Monsoon related incidents in Kerala rose to 109, with two more deaths reported today, even as the incessant rains continued to wreak havoc to standing crops and damaged houses.

Two people drowned in Kasargode and Kozhikode districts, sources said and added that details were still awaited.

In Alapuzha, the sea had eroded at Aratupuzha, Neerrkunnam and Mararikulam, they said, adding, the tourist beach of Kapad in Kozhikodde was also affected by erosion.

It was estimated that more than 1,000 people were in the 12 relief camps in different parts of the state.

About 30 houses were completely destroyed and 1,062 houses damaged in the incessant rains in the last 24 hours, the sources said.

So far 250 houses were completely destroyed and about 21,000 houses damaged in the rains.

In the torrential rains, standing crops in 313 hectares was destroyed causing a loss of Rs 2.42 crore, sources added.

Meanwhile. Met office here said the highest rainfall of seven cm was recorded at Thiruvalla followed by Mavelikkara six cm.

Kotayam, Alapuzha, Kumarakom, Kozhikode and Chertala received a rainfall of five cm while Vadakara, Kodungalur and Punalur got four cm rains.

The Met Office also warned about onshore winds with a speed of 45-55 kmph from the westerly direction along the Kerala coast and Lakshadweep.

UNI PN PR KP2035