Downpour landslips claim six lives in Kerala

Landslips triggered by heavy downpour claimed six lives in the high range Idukki district of Kerala today.

The deceased included two children and two women, as their houses on hill slopes were swept away by flash floods caused by heavy rains battering the area since Sunday, police said.
Casualties were reported from Kunchithanni, Karimannur and Urumbidam.
Roads linking the hilly district with the rest of the state have been blocked by boulders and rubble crashing down in landslides.
Idukki MLA Roshi Augustine said relief works are hampered by disruption in road traffic.
However, the district ad

ministration has geared up to handle the situation with the help of local people, Augustin said.
The Periyar river is in spate and the water level is rising in Idukki and Mullaperiyar reservoirs. Shutters of small dams have been opened.