Kerala flood toll rises to 67, Kochi airport shut

Kochi: At least 25 people died on Wednesday and thousands others are being evacuated from fresh Kerala floods.

The state has opened 35 of its dams, a first in history, even as the Mullaperiyar Dam’s water levels remain a concern.

Kerala was just limping back to normalcy after the worst floods since 1924 killed 39 over the last week. So far, more than 1 lakh people have been rescued in the state, and with Wednesday’s casualties, the death toll stands at 67.

Cochin International Airport suspended all flight operations till Saturday as water entered the airport area following continuous rains and the opening of dam shutters in the Periyar river.

Home minister Rajnath Singh spoke with Kerala chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan twice on Wednesday and took stock of the flood situation in the state, officials said.

Mr Singh assured the CM of all Central help for the rescue, relief and rehabilitation of the flood-hit people in the southern state.

Weathermen have warned of heavy rains accompanied with gusty winds with speed reaching 60 kmph in all the 14 districts of the state.