Heavy rains and landslides kill 18 in Kerala, India

The death toll from heavy rains and landslides in the southern Indian state of Kerala has risen to 18. Dozens of people are still missing. The incidents took place at Kuttikal and Idukki in Kottayam district of the state, the Hindustan Times reported.

Earlier on Saturday, five people were killed in heavy rains and landslides. Local officials also feared the death toll could rise.

Meanwhile, Indian media outlet NDTV reported on Sunday that local authorities had requested devotees not to visit the Sabarimala temple in Kerala in the current situation following heavy rains and landslides.

These instructions have been given for Sunday and Monday. The media also said that rescue work is underway for the victims including the missing persons.

According to the Hindustan Times, members of the Indian Army and Air Force in Kerala have taken part in the rescue operation with full force to rescue the missing in the current situation after 18 people died due to heavy rains. Many parts of the state are inundated. Besides, landslides have occurred in many parts of central Kerala due to heavy rains.

Meanwhile, due to heavy rains, the water of many rivers in the state is flowing above the danger level. Meanwhile, the meteorological office has warned that the rain may increase further. Meanwhile, red alerts have been issued in Kerala's Erlakulam, Idukki, Trichur, Kottayam, Patthanamthitta and Palakkad districts.

Orange alert has been issued in Thiruvananthapuram, Alappuzha, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Kollam and Wanad districts. This heavy rainfall is mainly due to the formation of a depression in the Arabian Sea. South and central Kerala are still receiving heavy rains. Heavy rains are also forecast in the northern districts of the state.

A video footage released on social media shows a bus stuck in water on a Kerala road. At this time the passengers were seen coming out through the window of the bus.

At the request of the state government, members of the army and air force have stepped in to conduct rescue operations. The state has military helicopters ready for use in case of emergency and the Southern Air Command has been kept on alert.

Army members have already been deployed in flood-hit areas of the state. A 30-member army unit has been sent to Kottayam district of Kanjirappalin from Pangod military station in the state.

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