Thiruvananthapuram: Heavy rains in Kerala caused 21 deaths due to landslides in Idukki and Kottayam districts, Government authority’s found13 dead bodies in Kottayam and eight in Idukki. As per the sources at least 12 people were reported missing in Kottayam. All 12 bodies have been recovered, as well as another body of someone who had not been reported missing.

#KeralaRains : Rescue and relief operations by defence forces in #Kottayam district; Search operation on for missing persons. pic.twitter.com/8d18uKRpTK

— All India Radio News (@airnewsalerts) October 17, 2021

Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan held a high level meeting to intensify the rescue efforts and said that all means will be used to evacuate people stranded in areas flooded due to heavy rain in the state, including Kottayam.

On the State Government’s request, the Army, Navy and Air Force have stepped in to help the civil administration handle the situation. NDRF has decided to deploy 11 teams. 33 people, including eight women and seven children, have been rescued so far.

#KeralaRains
Helo ops from #INSGaruda, #Kochi Southern Naval Command, being conducted for providing relief material to landslide affected areas in Koottickal, Kottayam.@SpokespersonMoD @DefenceMinIndia @DDNewslive @airnewsalerts @ndmaindia @HQ_IDS_India @adgpi @IAF_MCC https://t.co/EDg5BbATqp pic.twitter.com/65HByJOBXq

— SpokespersonNavy (@indiannavy) October 17, 2021

Kerala Government has set up 105 relief camps across the State amid heavy rainfall and landslides. Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan urged people in the state to remain cautious and prepare themselves to move to a relief camp, higher ground or safer localities if requested by Government officials.

He also advised against inessential travel. According to the CMO statement Vijayan said, People should take precautions to avoid accidents. Follow the instructions of the authorities and shift if necessary. Avoid unnecessary trips.