Rain related death toll goes up to 9 in Kerala

Thiruvananthapuram, Mar 23 (UNI) The toll in summer rains in Kerala rose to nine with one more death reported here today.

Sources said Rajesh (16), a native of Nedumangad in this district, was killed when lightning struck him.

Meanwhile, three of the five fishermen, reported missing since yesterday, were traced and being brought to home.

Officials said the total crop loss in the state was estimated at Rs 109 crore with Alapuzzha district suffering a loss of Rs 39.4 crore followed by Thrissur Rs 35.97 crore.

About 33 houses were completely destroyed and 495 houses partially damaged in the rains.

However, the incessant rains continued to wreck havoc to standing crops.

The local met office had warned heavy to very heavy rainfall in Kerala and in Lakshwadeep in the next 48 hrs.

It also warned of strong winds from South Westerly direction with a speed of 45/55 Kmph along Kerala coast and strong winds from southerly direction with a speed of 45/55 Kmph along Lakshwadeep.

Kannur received the highest rainfall of ten cm followed by Thiruvananthpuram City - eight cm and Thiruvananthapuram airport seven cm, the Met sources added.

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