ZCZC
BFF-18
INDIA-RAIN-DEATH
Rain-related death toll rises to 26 in southern India
NEW DELHI, Aug. 10, 2018 (BSS/XINHUA) – The death toll in heavy rains-
triggered floods and landslides in southern Indian state of Kerala has risen
to 26, officials said Friday.
The deaths were reported from the districts of Idukki, Malappuram,
Kozhikode, Wayanad and Ernakulam.
“With four more deaths late Thursday evening, the toll now stands at 26.
Several people are still missing in these districts,” a disaster management
official said.
Apart from the National Disaster Relief Force (NDRF), Indian military has
been deployed in the state, he added.
Local authorities said that schools and colleges have been closed in most
parts of the state and the annual Nehru boat race in Alappuzha district has
been postponed because of the heavy showers lashing Kerala.
State Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has attributed the floods to the
opening of 22 dams across Kerala because of rise in water levels in major
reservoirs.
Last month, over 40 people lost their lives in rain-related incidents in
Kerala.
BSS/XINHUA/GMR/1024 hrs