Rain fury in Kerala: 20 dead, Idukki dam’s shutters opened after 26 years

Thiruvananthapuram: The torrential rain in Kerala has claimed 20 lives over the last 24 hours and forced authorities to open the shutters of Idukki reservoir, Asia’s biggest arch dam, after 26 years to release excess water.

PC: Twitter

The Army and the Air Force have been pressed into service for relief and rescue operations in the rain-affected areas of Wayand and Idukki districts in Kerala.

The Kochi airport had suspended all arrivals at the international and domestic terminals for two hours this afternoon fearing flooding of the runway.

In view of the torrential downpour, the tourism department authorities has decided to postpone the Nehru Trophy boat race scheduled to be held on August 11 at Punnamada lake in Alappuzha district.