Kochi, Aug 16: Heavy and incessant rains continued in several parts of Kerala on Thursday, bringing state to a halt. Water level in Achankoil river at Alappuzha's Kollakadavu continued to rise following heavy rainfall across the state. Due to flood situation in most parts, authorities declared a holiday for educational institutions in all districts barring Kasaragod today.

The public transport system was severly affected in many parts of central Kerala with the Southern Railways and Kochi Metro today suspending their operations due to floods. The Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL) also suspended its operations this morning after its yard in Muttom near Aluva submerged in the flood waters.

Bus services to Kochi were also affected after National Highways connecting the city submerged in Kalamassery area, officials said. Cochin International Airport had yesterday suspended all flight operations till Saturday as water entered in the airport area following continuous rains and the opening of dam shutters in Periyar river.

Water in all major dams including Mullaperiyar, Cheruthoni, part of Idukki reservoir, and Idamalayar is overflowing, severely affecting life of people in the downstream areas. As the flood situation in the state is deteriorating day-by-day, Southern Naval Command deployed 21 rescue and diving teams with Gemini boats as part of Operation Madad.

It also suspended all training activities to support in the flood relief operations as requested by Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA). All resources mobilised for rescue and relief efforts in Ernakulam and Trichur. So far, at least 67 people have lost their lives in the havoc created by incessant rains in Kerala.

On Wednesday morning, Indian Meteorological Department had issued a red alert for eight districts of the state. It had predicted heavy to very heavy rains at most places in Wayanad, Kozhikode, Kannur, Kasargode, Malappuram, Palakkad, Idukki and Ernakulam Districts until Thursday.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 16, 2018 08:32 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).