Kerala rain: At least 27 dead, 4,000 people evacuated from low-lying areas

Twenty seven people have been killed, including 11 in high range Idukki in landslips, in the torrential rains in Kerala. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan described the situation as “very grim” with army columns being deployed at Ayannkulu, Idukki and Wayanad. As water levels rise in various dams and reach almost their maximum capacity, shutters of at least 24 reservoirs in Kerala have been opened to drain out excess water. Four of the five shutters of the Idukki dam have been opened. “We are on a high alert. At least 4,000 people living in low-lying areas have been evacuated to relief camps. We have closed all educational institutions in affected areas,” said Ernakulam district collector Mohamed Safirulla.