Flood and landslide triggered by heavy rain killed at least 11 people in Idukki and Kottayam districts of the Indian state Kerala leaving scores missing.
Rescuers are working to evacuate the locals.
The state experienced incessant rain on Saturday inundating roads, shops and homesteads. Red alert has been issued in five districts.
Due to the heavy rain in the district, the water levels continue to rise in the catchment areas of dams. The shutters of the Maniyar dam have been opened due to an increase in the water levels in the reservoir, NDTV reports.
Rain intensity in most parts of Kerala has reduced as of morning, however, there was continuous rain through the night. No new instances of flooding yet.
"We are continuously monitoring the situation in parts of Kerala in the wake of heavy rainfall and flooding. The central govt will provide all possible support to help people in need. NDRF teams have already been sent to assist the rescue operations. Praying for everyone's safety," Home Minister Amit Shah tweeted this morning.
Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan held a high-level meeting on Saturday to intensify the rescue efforts and said that all means will be used to evacuate people stranded in areas flooded due to heavy rain in the state, including Kottayam.
State colleges that were to open from October 18 will now only begin from October 20.
On the state government's request, the Army, Navy and Air Force have stepped in to help the civil administration handle the situation. The National Disaster Response Force has decided to deploy 11 teams.
The weather office has pointed to creation of a low pressure area over southeast Arabian Sea off the Kerala coast as the reason behind the downpour.
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