Thiruvananthapuram, 02 August (H.S.):Eight people have died, 13 were injured and eight remain missing following heavy rains that battered Kerala, the state government said on Sunday, even as the intensity of rainfall showed signs of easing.

According to figures released by the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO), 5,792 people have been evacuated from vulnerable and flood-hit areas and accommodated in 209 relief camps across the state. The rains have also caused widespread property damage, with 27 houses completely destroyed and another 196 partially damaged.

The government said it was closely monitoring the situation and maintaining constant communication with the Revenue Minister, ministers in charge of various districts and district administrations. Assistance would be extended to the families of those who lost their lives and to people whose homes and livelihoods were affected by the disaster.

As floodwaters began receding in several areas, clean-up operations were launched. The government appealed to political workers and voluntary organisations to join the drive and assured all necessary support for rehabilitation efforts.

Despite an improvement in weather conditions, residents of hilly and landslide-prone areas have been asked to remain vigilant. The government said emergency response mechanisms remained in place to deal with any fresh incidents.

Saturday’s intense rainfall triggered landslides, mudslides and flooding, besides causing severe waterlogging and disruption in several parts of Kerala.

Meanwhile, the India Meteorological Department has forecast rain until August 5 and issued an orange alert for 12 districts — Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Idukki, Ernakulam, Thrissur, Palakkad, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur and Kasaragod. Thiruvananthapuram and Kollam remain without weather alerts.

In view of the adverse conditions, district administrations in Wayanad, Kannur, Thrissur, Pathanamthitta, Kozhikode, Kottayam, Ernakulam and Malappuram declared a holiday on Sunday for educational institutions that were scheduled to function.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman