16 killed as heavy rains pound Kerala, trigger landslides | Latest News India - Hindustan Times
close_game
close_game

16 killed as heavy rains pound Kerala, trigger landslides

Thiruvananthapuram | ByHT Correspondent
Aug 09, 2018 11:54 AM IST

Last month, Alappuzha and Kottayam districts were flooded, killing 40 people.

At least 16 people were killed on Wednesday night as heavy rains triggered landslides in many places in Kerala. Ten people died in Idukki while six others died in Wayanad distrtict.

Pedestrians and commuters wade through a flooded street during monsoon rainfall, in Thiruvananthapuram on Tuesday, July 31, 2018.(PTI File)
Pedestrians and commuters wade through a flooded street during monsoon rainfall, in Thiruvananthapuram on Tuesday, July 31, 2018.(PTI File)

Wayanad district was completely cut off by landslides and the government has sought the army’s help to restore road network to the hill district. In Idukki, many areas were submerged after authorities opened the sluice gates of the Idamalayar dam.

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

Educational institutions were closed in six districts and people have been advised to avoid travel in hilly areas of the state. In Idukki dam, one of the highest arch dams in the continent, water touched the brim again and authorities are likely to begin trial runs to open the sluice gates which were last opened in 1992.

The 45-year-old Idukki dam had not filled to such levels in the past 26 years. Idukki reservoir has three dams -- the main dam on Periyar that holds maximum water has no shutters as it is situated between two imposing granite hills locally known as Kuravan and Kurathi mala. The other two are Cheruthoni and Kulamavu dams.

Last month, Alappuzha and Kottayam districts were flooded, killing 40 people. A central team led by Union ministers Kiran Rijiju and K J Alpohns visited the areas and announced an initial relief of 80 crore. The state had demanded 1000 crore relief to tide over the crisis.

Unveiling Elections 2024: The Big Picture', a fresh segment in HT's talk show 'The Interview with Kumkum Chadha', where leaders across the political spectrum discuss the upcoming general elections. Watch now!

Get Current Updates on India News, Election 2024, Arvind Kejriwal News Live, Bihar Board 10th Result 2024 Live along with Latest News and Top Headlines from India and around the world.
SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Share this article
SHARE
Story Saved
Live Score
OPEN APP
Saved Articles
Following
My Reads
Sign out
New Delhi 0C
Friday, March 29, 2024
Start 14 Days Free Trial Subscribe Now
Follow Us On