At least 27 people have been killed in floods in Kerala. Due to heavy rains, rivers overflowed and washed away bridges connecting many small villages. Five children are among the dead. There are fears the death toll could rise further as many people are missing. On Monday, a number of dams across Kerala state were opened to reduce the risk of dangerous overflows. Kottayam and Idukki are two of the worst affected districts in the state, where days of heavy rainfall have caused deadly landslides. Since the weekend, rescue teams have been moving families from flooded areas to safety. Thousands of people have been evacuated and 184 relief camps have been set up across Kerala, where more than 8,000 people are being provided food, bedding and clothing. Military helicopters are being used to fly in supplies and personnel to areas where people are trapped. The government has also announced financial aid for those who have lost houses and crops. The Indian meteorological department (IMD) has predicted heavy rainfall in Kerala for up to four more days. Tragic stories are coming out of the affected districts. A family of six - including a 75-year-old grandmother and three children - were confirmed dead after their home in Kottayam was swept away. The bodies of three children - aged eight, seven and four - were also found buried under the debris in Idukki district. The State Government will provide ?4 lakh each as financial assistance to the kin of landslip victims.

Tags

• Kerala
• floods
• heavy
• rain
• dead

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