Kochi Airport Shut Till Sunday Amid Incessant Rainfall, Flood Situation in Kerala; 20 Killed
On Thursday night, the CIAL had announced the suspension of flight operations till 9 am on Friday as a precautionary measure in view of heavy rains lashing the region. Flights coming to the airport were diverted. The operations were suspended as there was a rise in water level in Periyar river and a canal adjacent to the airport due to heavy rains.
Kochi, August 9: Amid the ongoing incessent rainfall and flood situation in Kerala, the state government has decided to shut down operations at the Kochi International Airport till 3 pm. The move comes amid several rain-related fatalities being recorded in the coastal state, with the death toll amounting to 20 so far.
"Kochi Airport closes operations till 1500 hrs of Sunday (11/08/2019)," a statement issued by the Airport said. A Cochin International Airport Ltd (CIAL) spokesman said the runway area of the airport is water logged due to the flood. Kerala Rains: Red Alert in Kasargod, Orange Alert Issued For Five Other Districts As Monsoon Intensifies
On Thursday night, the CIAL had announced the suspension of flight operations till 9 am on Friday as a precautionary measure in view of heavy rains lashing the region. Flights coming to the airport were diverted.
The operations were suspended as there was a rise in water level in Periyar river and a canal adjacent to the airport due to heavy rains.
Heavy rains have been battering Kerala for the past few days and claiming eight lives on Thursday, bringing back the memories of the worst floods in August last year.
The airport was rendered non-functional for a fortnight in August 2018 due to inundation.
It had suffered damage to infrastructure, including a 2.6 km long wall that collapsed after the Periyar river overflowed. The estimated loss was then put between Rs 220-250 crore.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 09, 2019 09:10 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).