As the torrential downpour continues across Kerala, the Central Water Commission has issued a warning that the state might witness another deluge this year. A flood warning has been issued in all districts except Thiruvananthapuram and Kollam.
Educational institutions across the state will have a holiday on Friday. District Collectors from Kollam and Thiruvanthapuram declared the holiday on Friday morning. University and Public Service Commission examinations have been postponed.
On Thursday, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan night held an urgent meeting with government and State Disaster Management Authority officials, and said a serious situation prevails in parts of the state, especially in Wayanad.
He has requested all the people in disaster prone areas to shift to relief camps. Currently, around 13,000 people are living at relief camps in the state. Eleven lives have been lost so far in the rain and flood.
The Cochin International Airport will remain temporarily closed till 3 pm on Sunday because flooding of the runway. The Airport's emergency number is 0484-3053500.
Wayanad landslide
It is suspected that as many as 40 people are suspected to be trapped under the debris of a massive landslide in Meppadi in the hilly Wayanad district. Three were rescued. A temple, a mosque, couple of houses and a few vehicles have come under soil and several are feared missing.
Kalpeta MLA C K Saseendran said the place where the landslide happened was inaccessible due to other similar cave-ins along the road.
Assistance has been sought help from the Indian Army and Army's Engineering Force for relief operations and disaster management.
Transportation of vehicles are prohibited in the mountain pass Wayanad Churam from 12 am to 6 pm. Heavy vehicles are also banned in the area from 6 pm to 6am. Tourist visits to Silent Valley has also been stopped for a week.
Red alert
A 'red alert' has been sounded in northern districts of Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad and central Kerala district Idukki, as torrential rains submerged low-lying areas leaving people stranded in houses, IMD sources said.
A less severe warning - orange alert - has been issued for Ernakulam, Thrissur, Palakkad, Kannur and Kasargod districts.
Helpline numbers- 1070, 1077
State emergency operation centre: 9446 568 222, state toll free number: 1070, district toll free number: 1077, state control room: 0471 2331639, 2333198.
Exams postponed
•The PSC exam for the Jail Welfare Officer scheduled for Friday has been postponed to August 30.
•All exams scheduled in Kerala, MG, Calicut, Kannur and Medical unversities have been rescheduled.
