Rains continue to wreak havoc in Kerala

Thiruvananthapuram, June 23: Torrential rain continued to wreak havoc in Kerala, killing about eight people and injuring scores, rendering thousands homeless and destroying houses and standing crops.

Four-members of a family were buried alive in a landslide at Valathodu in Wayanad district. One death each was reported from Thrissur, Alappuzha, Pathanamthitta and Kollam districts.

About 20 persons were injured when a tree fell over a ward of the General Hospital in Thiruvananthapuram.

As the monsoon continued to be vigorous, the coastal regions and low-lying areas were under the threat of sea erosion and flood.

Reports of sea erosion came in from many places in Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Alappuzha Kochi and Thrissur and landslide was reported from Idukki.

Reports from different parts of the state talked about disruption of power supply and traffic blockades. In some places, the power supply could not be restored.

As of yesterday, 18 people were killed in rain-related incidents and as many injured. About 8,000 people were shifted to relief camps as coastal and low-lying areas continued to be threatened by sea erosion and floods, sources said.

Water levels were steadily rising in reservoirs of hydro electric projects in the state as catchment areas continued to receive heavy rainfall.

UNI