Rain-related death toll rises to 26 in India

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, reports XINHUA.

“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.