18 killed in heavy rains, landslides in India’s Kerala

At least 18 people were killed as heavy rains and landslides hit parts of India's southern state of Kerala early today, officials said.

According to the disaster control room sources, 10 people were killed in landslides in Idukki, five in Malappuram, two in Kannur and one in Wayanad districts in Kerala. Three persons are missing in three other districts, reports our New Delhi correspondent.

Five members of a family lost their lives in Idukki's Adimali town while two persons were pulled out alive from underneath the debris by the local people and police.

Following the rains, around 600 cusecs of water were discharged from a dam this morning with the water level rising up to 169.95 metres against the full reservoir level of 169 metre. The local authorities have been put on high-alert.

Educational institutions have been closed in Idukki, Kollam and some other districts due to the rains.