Scores killed, several missing as torrential rains wreak havoc in Kerala 

Kerala: At least 24 people were killed in floods in southern India due to flash floods and landslides triggered by torrential rains since Saturday. Thousands of people have been evacuated and over 100 relief camps have been set up across Kerala. 

After heavy rains caused rivers to overflow, cutting off towns and villages, authorities kept up a strict vigil with the threat of landslides.    

Reportedly, five children were among the dead. While, there are fears the death toll could rise further as many people are still missing. 

Moreover, several houses were washed away and people got trapped in the district of Kottayam.

As per authorities, Kottayam and Idukki are two of the worst affected districts in the state. 

Following the deadly situation, military helicopters are being used to fly in supplies and personnel to areas where people are still trapped.

#HADROps #KeralaFloods

Indian Air Force medium lift helicopters have been inducted for #floodrelief efforts in districts of #Kerala inundated due to heavy rains.#HarKaamDeshKeNaam pic.twitter.com/ZcwZRKyYZR

— Indian Air Force (@IAF_MCC) October 17, 2021

Dramatic visuals on social media showed the moment a two-storey house in Kottayam district is swept away in a muddy deluge.

#WATCH | Kerala: A house got washed away by strong water currents of a river in Kottayam's Mundakayam yesterday following heavy rainfall. pic.twitter.com/YYBFd9HQSp

— ANI (@ANI) October 18, 2021

It is not uncommon for heavy rainfall to cause flooding and landslides in Kerala.

In 2018, some 400 people died and more than one million others were displaced by the worst flooding in Kerala in a century.