Heavy rain cause misery in Kerala

Thiruvananthapuram: Heavy rain brought misery to people of Alappuzha, Kollam and Pathanamthitta districts on Sunday. One person died at Cheruthana. About 10000 persons have been shifted to relief camps.

Breach of dyke at Kuppappuram in Kuttanad flooded 340 acres of poulders and damaged about 200 houses. The poulders have been prepared for sowing, and influx of flood waters is estimated to have caused a loss of about Rs. 25 lakh. The flooded poulders belong to about 300 farmers.

In Kollam, many low-lying areas have been flooded and people from risk prone areas have been shifted to relief camps.

A school building collapsed at Mankada in Malappuram district. No casualties have been reported as Sunday was a school holiday. Caving-in of Trenches built for ongoing construction in the school compound caused the collapse.

Traffic blocks have been reported from road to Sabarimala in Pathanamthitta district as trees fell across roads. Dengue fever is spreading in Pathanamthitta and other districts of Kerala.

The weather bureau has warned of heavy rain (seven to 11 cm) and strong winds till Monday morning.

Opposition Leader Ramesh Chennithala urged that free rations should be sanctioned to those affected by rains.

The government had opened control rooms at the State and district levels for overseeing relief operations and preventive measures. The State level control room can be reached over phone. The number is (471) 2331639.