NEW DELHI, Aug. 9 (Xinhua) -- At least 20 people were killed in rain-related incidents in southern Indian state of Kerala, local government officials said Thursday.
The casualties were reported from Idukki, Malappuram Kozhikode and Wayanad districts.
"In the past 24 hours, 20 deaths have been reported due to rain-related incidents in the state," a hazard analyst at Kerala State Disaster Management Authority told Xinhua.
According to officials, 11 people were killed in Idukki district, six in Malappuram, two in Kozhikode and one in Wayanad.
Officials said an active phase of the southwest monsoon over past 24 hours has resulted in heavy rainfall, triggering landslides in the affected districts.
The local government has sought help from army to tackle the situation in the wake of the destruction caused by heavy rains in many parts of the state.
"Three teams of NDRF (National Disaster Response Force) have been deployed at Kozhikode, Ernakulam and Alappuzha districts. Army, Navy, Police and Fire Force are active in rescue efforts," the state Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said.
"The help of forces has been sought. They have been deployed for the rescue efforts in Wayanad, Idukki, Kozhikode and Malappuram districts."
The authorities have cautioned people living along the river banks and opened the shutters of 22 dams to release water.
"Heavy rains have necessitated the opening of the shutters of Idukki Cheruthoni dam. A trial run will commence soon. Situation is under control and there is no need for panic," the chief minister said.
Reports said the rains and subsequent situation affected flight operations at Cochin international airport for about one hour and also delayed long-distance trains from Kerala.
