20 killed in rain-related incidents in Kerala

Thiruvananthapuram, Jul 17 (UNI) At least 20 people were killed, several injured and property worth lakh of rupees destroyed in flash floods and landslips, triggered by incessant rains, in various parts of Kerala during the past 24 hours.

With this, the toll in the rain-related incidents during this season rose to 142.

Seven deaths each were reported from Kozhikode and Malappuram districts, two from Thrissur and one each from Idukki, Kasaragod Pathanamthitta and Palakkad.

An unidentified Ayyappa devote from Andhra Pradesh who was taking bath in river Pampa was washed away in flood waters.

A 13-year-old girl was reported missing after a landslide at Kattappara in Palakkad district.

Search operations were on to locate them.

Most of the rivers in the State were flowing above the danger mark and authorities were forced to open the shutters of many dams.

Water level in the Mullaperiyar dam was raising steadily and several families living in the catchment areas were being shifted to safer places.

Revenue Minister (EDS pls pick up from para four of Ms 59 Weather-Kerala-Lead deaths).

UNI