Kerala Rains: High Alert! Kochi airport remains shut till Saturday as heavy lashes Kerala; IMD issues 'red alert'

The operations at Kochi International Airport (COK) has been temporarily suspended till 18th August, Saturday 2 PM due to the heavy rains, resultant flooding that had lashed out Kerala. "We are working hard to drain out the stormwater. All are requested to co-operate," authorities said.

The death toll has risen to 44 on Wednesday, as the rains continued to wreak havoc across the state, deadliest flood since decades.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan called an emergency meeting to take stock of the situation. As per Indian Express reports, 33 dams out of the state’s 39 have been opened till now. CIAL is working hard to drain out the stormwater. Emergency control room numbers: 0484 3053500, 2610094.

India Meteorological Department has issued a red alert (heavy to very heavy rainfall in most places) for Wayanad, Kozhikode, Kannur, Kasargode, Malappuram, Palakkad, Idukki and Ernakulam Districts till tomorrow.

However, Due to the devastating Kerala floods, Onam celebrations have been cancelled in the state. Kerala Governor P Sathasivam tweeted Tuesday, "We have decided not to have Onam feast and celebration this year at Kerala Raj Bhavan." Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh aerially surveyed flood-hit Kerala couple of days back and later Centre announced a Rs. 100 crore relief package for the state.

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