Heavy rains in Kerala kills three

Thiruvananthapuram: The Southwest monsoon, after a delayed start, picked up momentum in Kerala, bringing heavy rains in most places of the state and Lakshadweep during the last two days, after registering a 26 per cent deficit early in June.

At least 3 deaths have been reported in different incidents of the state today due to rains.

According to the regional Meteorological Centre in Thiruvananthapuram , heavy to very heavy rainfall has been reported particularly in Wayanad, Idukki, Kannur, Thrissur and Malappuram districts since last night.

While Pookot and Vythiri in high range Wayanad received 13 and 12 cm rainfall respectively, Peerumede in Idukki received 11 cm and Taliparamba in Kannur 9 cm showers, according to a release.

"Though south west monsoon began on a sluggish note, it has now come to normal mode. Many places in Kerala and Lakshadweep received good rainfall in the past few days," said K Santosh, Director, Meteorological Centre in Thiruvananthapuram.

The weather station predicts strong winds from south westerly direction, with speed occasionally reaching 45-55 kmph, along and off Kerala coast and over Lakshadweep area during the next 24 hours.

According to the centre, Kerala received 346.9 mm rains against a normal of 491.8 mm during the period between June 1-24, registering 26 per cent deficit.

Wayanad was the only district which received excess rainfall- 23 per cent- during the period, the figures by the centre showed. It said that Malappuram and Palakkad received normal showers.

Lakshadweep also received normal rainfall of 285.3 mm during the period, the figures said.

Meanwhile, three persons including 2 children, have died in separate incidents in the state in heavy rains on Friday.

While two children were killed and at least 11 others injured at Kothamanagalam in Ernakulam district when a tree fell on their school bus this evening, a 54-year-old labourer, identified as one Velayudhan, was killed and another injured when the wall of a building, under construction, caved in as heavy rains lashed Pudur in

Palakkad district.