Kerala rains claim 20 lives, Kochi airport stops arrivals

Cochin: At least 20 people were dead in Kerala following flooding and landslides which was caused due to heavy and incessant rains.

The Idukki dam was also opened after 26 years, following rising water levels due to heavy rains in the district.

The Kochi airport has suspended all arrivals at the international and domestic terminals from this afternoon fearing flooding of the runway after the gates of the Idukki reservoir was opened today.

Airport Director, CIAL said, "Water is flowing into the operational area of Cochin International Airport (CIAL). Airport may close with short notice, no long term parking in CIAL and no diversion from other airport will be permitted till further notification."