The death toll in Kerala floods has gone up to 83<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/kerala-floods-death-toll-rises-to-72-58-reported-to-be-missing-242306">&nbsp;with 58 still missing</a>.

&nbsp;

Kerala and its neighbouring states have been receiving relentless rains since the past few days. Several isolated pockets of the state have been submerged due to swelling of rivers.

Meanwhile, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, who is visiting his constituency Wayanad, said the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/kerala-rahul-gandhi-distributes-relief-materials-in-flood-hit-wayanad-242409">rescue operations are underway</a> but more help is required.

Rescue operations are being carried out by the National Disaster Relief Force (NDRF), Army and the local police.

Over 2.5 people across 14 districts of Kerala have been affected by the floods.

IMD has predicted "heavy rainfall" at isolated parts over Kerala from August 12 till August 16. The meteorological department also advised fishermen to not venture into those areas.&nbsp;

The death toll in Kerala floods has gone up to 83 with 58 still missing. Kerala and its neighbouring states have been receiving relentless rains since the past few days.

The death toll in Kerala floods has gone up to 83 with 58 still missing. Kerala and its neighbouring states have been receiving relentless rains since the past few days. Several isolated pockets of the state have been submerged due to swelling of rivers. Meanwhile, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, who is visiting his constituency Wayanad, said the rescue operations are underway but more help is required. Rescue operations are being carried out by the National Disaster Relief Force (NDRF), Army and the local police. Over 2.5 people across 14 districts of Kerala have been affected by the floods. IMD has predicted "heavy rainfall" at isolated parts over Kerala from August 12 till August 16. The meteorological department also advised fishermen to not venture into those areas.

Death toll reaches 83 with 58 still missing in flood-hit Kerala

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Sunday said that isolated places over Saurashtra, Kutch, ghat areas of Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Mahe and Coastal and South Interior <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/imd-issues-heavy-rainfall-alert-for-goa-coastal-karnataka-odisha-241288">Karnataka are likely to receive very heavy rainfall </a>on Sunday.

The department also stated that Uttarakhand, Gujarat region, Gangetic West Bengal, Odisha, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram and Tripura, and Andaman and Nicobar Islands will also witness heavy downpour throughout the day.

'Thunderstorm accompanied by lightning very likely at isolated places over Jharkhand. Strong winds, speed reaching 45-55 km, are likely to prevail over the southwest, central and northeast Arabian Sea and along and off,' the organisation added.

The organisation has adviced fishermen not to venture in these areas for the next few days.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Sunday said that isolated places over Saurashtra, Kutch, ghat areas of Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Mahe and Coastal and South Interior Karnataka are likely to receive very heavy rainfall on Sunday.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Sunday said that isolated places over Saurashtra, Kutch, ghat areas of Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Mahe and Coastal and South Interior Karnataka are likely to receive very heavy rainfall on Sunday. The department also stated that Uttarakhand, Gujarat region, Gangetic West Bengal, Odisha, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram and Tripura, and Andaman and Nicobar Islands will also witness heavy downpour throughout the day. 'Thunderstorm accompanied by lightning very likely at isolated places over Jharkhand. Strong winds, speed reaching 45-55 km, are likely to prevail over the southwest, central and northeast Arabian Sea and along and off,' the organisation added. The organisation has adviced fishermen not to venture in these areas for the next few days.

Heavy rainfall alert issued for Gujarat, Tamil Nadu

Congress leader and MP Rahul Gandhi on Sunday visited a relief camp at Boodanam Church in Nilambur, Malappuram in Kerala and reviewed relief measures in the flood-ravaged district.

Gandhi, who is a Member of Parliament (MP) from Wayanad, interacted with the flood victims with the help of local leaders.

As many as 11 people have died in the district alone due to<a href="https://www.wionews.com/.../flood-fury-continues-in-southwest-india-42- dead-in-kerala-242065"> floods</a>.

Gandhi reached Kerala today for his<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/kerala-floods-rahul-gandhi-to-visit-wayanad-tomorrow-241999"> two-day visit.</a>

"For the next few days, I will be based in my Lok Sabha constituency, Wayanad that has been ravaged by floods. I will be visiting relief camps across Wayanad and reviewing relief measures with District and State officials," Gandhi tweeted, earlier in the day.

Operations at Cochin International Airport, which were suspended following heavy rains, resumed on Sunday.

Rescue operations are underway by the National Disaster Relief Force (NDRF), Army and the local police.&nbsp;

Congress leader and MP Rahul Gandhi on Sunday visited a relief camp at Boodanam Church in Nilambur, Malappuram in Kerala and reviewed relief measures in the flood-ravaged district.

Congress leader and MP Rahul Gandhi on Sunday visited a relief camp at Boodanam Church in Nilambur, Malappuram in Kerala and reviewed relief measures in the flood-ravaged district. Gandhi, who is a Member of Parliament (MP) from Wayanad, interacted with the flood victims with the help of local leaders. As many as 11 people have died in the district alone due to floods. Gandhi reached Kerala today for his two-day visit. "For the next few days, I will be based in my Lok Sabha constituency, Wayanad that has been ravaged by floods. I will be visiting relief camps across Wayanad and reviewing relief measures with District and State officials," Gandhi tweeted, earlier in the day. Operations at Cochin International Airport, which were suspended following heavy rains, resumed on Sunday. Rescue operations are underway by the National Disaster Relief Force (NDRF), Army and the local police.

Kerala: Rahul Gandhi visits relief camp in Nilambur

As incessant rains crippled normal life in the district, nearly 30,000 people were preventively evacuated to relief camps in Wayanad.

Heavy downpour coupled with flooding and frequent landslides have wreaked havoc in the southern state.

"We have done preventive evacuation from most of the vulnerable locations, nearly 30,000 people are now in relief camps," said AR Ajayakumar, District Collector Wayanad.

"The situation is totally under control at present, there is no need to panic. Apart from a major landslide reported in Puthumala near Meppadi, no other such major incident has been reported," he said.

Congress leader <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/kerala-floods-rahul-gandhi-to-visit-wayanad-tomorrow-241999">Rahul Gandhi is scheduled to visit Wayanad</a>, his Lok Sabha constituency, on Sunday.

Around 28 people have died and 27 others have sustained injuries following incessant rains and overflowing of rivers in several parts of Kerala, said the state government on Friday.

The rescue operation teams were seen evacuating senior citizens, women, children, and others by carrying them either on their shoulders or palanquins through the debris of landslides and floodwater.

As many as 24 relief camps have started functioning in the state. As many as eight Engineer Task Force (ETF) teams have been deployed in various districts like Alappuzha, Ernakulam, Pathanamthitta, Idukki, Malappuram, Wayanad, Kannur and Kozhikode.

As incessant rains crippled normal life in the district, nearly 30,000 people were preventively evacuated to relief camps in Wayanad. Heavy downpour coupled with flooding and frequent landslides have wreaked havoc in the southern state.

As incessant rains crippled normal life in the district, nearly 30,000 people were preventively evacuated to relief camps in Wayanad. Heavy downpour coupled with flooding and frequent landslides have wreaked havoc in the southern state. "We have done preventive evacuation from most of the vulnerable locations, nearly 30,000 people are now in relief camps," said AR Ajayakumar, District Collector Wayanad. "The situation is totally under control at present, there is no need to panic. Apart from a major landslide reported in Puthumala near Meppadi, no other such major incident has been reported," he said. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi is scheduled to visit Wayanad, his Lok Sabha constituency, on Sunday. Around 28 people have died and 27 others have sustained injuries following incessant rains and overflowing of rivers in several parts of Kerala, said the state government on Friday. The rescue operation teams were seen evacuating senior citizens, women, children, and others by carrying them either on their shoulders or palanquins through the debris of landslides and floodwater. As many as 24 relief camps have started functioning in the state. As many as eight Engineer Task Force (ETF) teams have been deployed in various districts like Alappuzha, Ernakulam, Pathanamthitta, Idukki, Malappuram, Wayanad, Kannur and Kozhikode.

Kerala: Around 30,000 evacuated to relief camps in Wayanad

Flood fury continues in Southwest India. According to the reports, 42 are dead in Kerala and 24 in Karnataka. Also, more than two lakh people have been evacuated to safer places from three districts of Kolhapur, Sangli, and Satara. Watch this video to know more.

Flood fury continues in Southwest India, 42 dead in Kerala

Around 6,000 people have been rescued and more than 15,000 have been evacuated from flood-affected areas in Maharashtra, Karnataka, Northern Kerala and Tamil Nadu till Friday, Indian Army said.

The Army has 123 rescue teams have been deployed in 16 districts across the four affected states for relief and rescue operations.

Indian Naval diving teams deployed in Karnataka's Kadra evacuated nearly 450 personnel to safety whilst other team operating from Kaiga evacuated 300 personnel to safety bringing a total number of rescued personnel in this area alone to 2,219.

Around 6,000 people have been rescued and more than 15,000 have been evacuated from flood-affected areas in Maharashtra, Karnataka, Northern Kerala and Tamil Nadu till Friday, Indian Army said.

Around 6,000 people have been rescued and more than 15,000 have been evacuated from flood-affected areas in Maharashtra, Karnataka, Northern Kerala and Tamil Nadu till Friday, Indian Army said. The Army has 123 rescue teams have been deployed in 16 districts across the four affected states for relief and rescue operations. Indian Naval diving teams deployed in Karnataka's Kadra evacuated nearly 450 personnel to safety whilst other team operating from Kaiga evacuated 300 personnel to safety bringing a total number of rescued personnel in this area alone to 2,219.

Monsoon mayhem: Over 15,000 evacuated from flood-affected areas in Maharashtra, Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu

The death toll from floods in Karnataka, Kerala and Maharashtra rose to 95, official figures showed on Saturday, as heavy rain and landslides forced hundreds of thousands to evacuate their homes.

Seasonal monsoon rains from June to September are a crucial lifeline for agrarian Indian society, delivering 70% of the country's rainfall, but they also bring in their wake death and destruction every year.

Some <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/42-dead-in-rain-battered-kerala-19-trains-cancelled-241955">42 people died in southwestern Kerala</a> and over 100,000 affected people have been evacuated, the central government's disaster management cell said, after 80 landslides hit the state in two days.

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Rescue operations by teams from Goa Naval Area underway in Kolhapur (Maharashtra) &amp; Uttar Kannada (Karnataka) district. Today's rescue effort involved evacuation of 1016 persons by Navy teams in various parts of Maharashtra, Goa&amp;Karnataka which included 602 women &amp; 193 children <a href="https://t.co/s6A2yimRZ1">pic.twitter.com/s6A2yimRZ1</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1160127484362481664?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 10, 2019</a></blockquote>
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The state planned to open the gates of Banasurasagar dam in Wayanad district at 0930 GMT, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said during a news conference in the city of Kochi. Shutters of the dam were partially opened on Saturday morning to manage the water level and avoid serious damage, a senior state official of the district confirmed to Reuters.

A red alert, or severe rainfall and bad weather conditions forecast, has been issued for seven out of 14 districts in the state, the Kerala State Disaster Management control room told Reuters on Saturday.

Last year, Kerala was hit by one of its worst floods in one hundred years.&nbsp;

More than 200 people were killed and over 5 million affected.

Watch:&nbsp;Weather disturbance continues in India, Heavy rainfall batter west, south India

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/weather-disturbance-continues-in-india-heavy-rainfall-batter-west-south-india-241990/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The state's busiest airport, Cochin International Airport, has been closed since Friday as the taxiway is water-logged. The airport is expected to reopen from Sunday as water levels had started to recede, the state body said.

In neighbouring Karnataka, home to India's tech hub Bengaluru, some 24 people have died in what chief minister B.S. Yeddyurappa said on Saturday were the worst floods in 45 years.

Around 1,024 villages have been inundated due to the rains, several dams were reaching their full capacity, and over 200,000 people had been evacuated, he added.

As many as 16 of the state's 30 districts have been affected by the heavy rains and 235,105 people have been evacuated and shifted to 624 relief camps, Yeddyurappa added.

In Maharashtra, home to India's financial capital Mumbai, 29 people have died this week.

The Indian Meteorological Department said on its website that heavy to very heavy rain was likely to lash isolated areas of Kerala, parts of Karnataka and Maharashtra, and some southern states might also see extremely heavy rain on Saturday.

The death toll from floods in Karnataka, Kerala and Maharashtra rose to 95, official figures showed on Saturday, as heavy rain and landslides forced hundreds of thousands to evacuate their homes.

The death toll from floods in Karnataka, Kerala and Maharashtra rose to 95, official figures showed on Saturday, as heavy rain and landslides forced hundreds of thousands to evacuate their homes. Seasonal monsoon rains from June to September are a crucial lifeline for agrarian Indian society, delivering 70% of the country's rainfall, but they also bring in their wake death and destruction every year. Some 42 people died in southwestern Kerala and over 100,000 affected people have been evacuated, the central government's disaster management cell said, after 80 landslides hit the state in two days. Rescue operations by teams from Goa Naval Area underway in Kolhapur (Maharashtra) & Uttar Kannada (Karnataka) district. Today's rescue effort involved evacuation of 1016 persons by Navy teams in various parts of Maharashtra, Goa&Karnataka which included 602 women & 193 children pic.twitter.com/s6A2yimRZ1 — ANI (@ANI) August 10, 2019 × The state planned to open the gates of Banasurasagar dam in Wayanad district at 0930 GMT, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said during a news conference in the city of Kochi. Shutters of the dam were partially opened on Saturday morning to manage the water level and avoid serious damage, a senior state official of the district confirmed to Reuters. A red alert, or severe rainfall and bad weather conditions forecast, has been issued for seven out of 14 districts in the state, the Kerala State Disaster Management control room told Reuters on Saturday. Last year, Kerala was hit by one of its worst floods in one hundred years. More than 200 people were killed and over 5 million affected. Watch: Weather disturbance continues in India, Heavy rainfall batter west, south India The state's busiest airport, Cochin International Airport, has been closed since Friday as the taxiway is water-logged. The airport is expected to reopen from Sunday as water levels had started to recede, the state body said. In neighbouring Karnataka, home to India's tech hub Bengaluru, some 24 people have died in what chief minister B.S. Yeddyurappa said on Saturday were the worst floods in 45 years. Around 1,024 villages have been inundated due to the rains, several dams were reaching their full capacity, and over 200,000 people had been evacuated, he added. As many as 16 of the state's 30 districts have been affected by the heavy rains and 235,105 people have been evacuated and shifted to 624 relief camps, Yeddyurappa added. In Maharashtra, home to India's financial capital Mumbai, 29 people have died this week. The Indian Meteorological Department said on its website that heavy to very heavy rain was likely to lash isolated areas of Kerala, parts of Karnataka and Maharashtra, and some southern states might also see extremely heavy rain on Saturday.

Death toll from floods across India rises to 95, hundreds of thousands evacuated

Operations at Cochin International Airport will resume at 12 noon on Sunday.

"Kochi Airport is ready. Flight operations begin at 12 noon tomorrow; that is ahead of the deadline. Airlines are instructed to facilitate services accordingly," read a statement from Cochin International Airport Limited (CIAL).

Flight operations at the airport were suspended till 3 pm on Sunday in the wake of heavy rainfall.

Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan today said all arrangements have been done to conduct rescue operations, adding that as many as 80 landslides have taken place in various parts of the state.

"Accidents have happened in unexpected areas.... 80 landslides in various parts of the state. Malappuram, Kavalappara, Bhoothalam Colony and Puthumala in Wayanad are worst affected," Vijayan said during a press conference here.

In total, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/42-dead-in-rain-battered-kerala-19-trains-cancelled-241955">42 deaths have been reported across the state</a>, with eleven deaths in Wayanad district alone, Vijayan said.

"Police, armed forces, fishermen and volunteers are engaging in rescue operations... This gives us confidence to overcome this situation," he added.

The Chief Minister also mentioned that strict actions will be taken against those who are spreading fake messages.

"Some people spreading news that all dams are going to be opened. Another one is that petrol pumps will be closed. We should take it seriously," he said.

"In our state, there is no fuel crisis. We have enough stock. We are facing a serious disaster and we can face it together," he added.&nbsp;

Operations at Cochin International Airport will resume at 12 noon on Sunday. "Kochi Airport is ready. Flight operations begin at 12 noon tomorrow; that is ahead of the deadline.

Operations at Cochin International Airport will resume at 12 noon on Sunday. "Kochi Airport is ready. Flight operations begin at 12 noon tomorrow; that is ahead of the deadline. Airlines are instructed to facilitate services accordingly," read a statement from Cochin International Airport Limited (CIAL). Flight operations at the airport were suspended till 3 pm on Sunday in the wake of heavy rainfall. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan today said all arrangements have been done to conduct rescue operations, adding that as many as 80 landslides have taken place in various parts of the state. "Accidents have happened in unexpected areas.... 80 landslides in various parts of the state. Malappuram, Kavalappara, Bhoothalam Colony and Puthumala in Wayanad are worst affected," Vijayan said during a press conference here. In total, 42 deaths have been reported across the state, with eleven deaths in Wayanad district alone, Vijayan said. "Police, armed forces, fishermen and volunteers are engaging in rescue operations... This gives us confidence to overcome this situation," he added. The Chief Minister also mentioned that strict actions will be taken against those who are spreading fake messages. "Some people spreading news that all dams are going to be opened. Another one is that petrol pumps will be closed. We should take it seriously," he said. "In our state, there is no fuel crisis. We have enough stock. We are facing a serious disaster and we can face it together," he added.

Operations at Kochi airport in Kerala to resume on Sunday

Rescue and relief work beefs up as rains wreak havoc across western, southern India

Indian Army, in coordination with the Navy and Air Force, has stepped up its relief and rescue operations by deploying a total of 123 rescue teams in 16 districts spread across four rain-battered states - Maharashtra, Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu.

A total of around 6,000 persons have been rescued and more than 15,000 persons have been evacuated from flood-affected areas and have been provided medical aid. Security personnel also distributed food packets to the victims.

On Friday, a total of nine relief teams, 12 Engineer Task Forces teams were deployed in Maharashtra's Sirol and Sangli districts to carry out rescue operations.

In flood-hit areas, 24 relief teams, eight Engineer Task Force teams are working day and night to save the lives of people residing in Allepy, Ernakulam, Pathanamthitta, Idukki, Malappuram, Wayanad, Kannur and Kozhikode districts of Kerala.

In Tamil Nadu's Nilgiri, six relief teams are working on a war footing to carry out rescue and relief operations.

Several states of the country are witnessing relentless rains from the past few days. Many isolated pockets of Maharashtra, Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu have already submerged due to swelling of&nbsp;rivers.

Indian Army, in coordination with the Navy and Air Force, has stepped up its relief and rescue operations by deploying a total of 123 rescue teams in 16 districts spread across four rain-battered states - Maharashtra, Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu.

Indian Army, in coordination with the Navy and Air Force, has stepped up its relief and rescue operations by deploying a total of 123 rescue teams in 16 districts spread across four rain-battered states - Maharashtra, Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu. A total of around 6,000 persons have been rescued and more than 15,000 persons have been evacuated from flood-affected areas and have been provided medical aid. Security personnel also distributed food packets to the victims. On Friday, a total of nine relief teams, 12 Engineer Task Forces teams were deployed in Maharashtra's Sirol and Sangli districts to carry out rescue operations. In flood-hit areas, 24 relief teams, eight Engineer Task Force teams are working day and night to save the lives of people residing in Allepy, Ernakulam, Pathanamthitta, Idukki, Malappuram, Wayanad, Kannur and Kozhikode districts of Kerala. In Tamil Nadu's Nilgiri, six relief teams are working on a war footing to carry out rescue and relief operations. Several states of the country are witnessing relentless rains from the past few days. Many isolated pockets of Maharashtra, Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu have already submerged due to swelling of rivers.

Rescue and relief operations beefed up in Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Kerala

Forty-two people have lost their lives as <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/kerala-28-dead-27-injured-7-missing-following-heavy-rains-241904">incessant rains continue to wreak havoc</a> in Kerala, and as many as 19 trains have been cancelled on Saturday.

Officials said 'Red Alert'&nbsp;has been issued in Ernakulam, Idukki, Palakkad, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad and Kannur districts, were denoting that the regions will receive very heavy to extremely heavy rainfall.

On Friday, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan had said as many as 24 incidents of landslides were reported in the state. In Malappuram, rescue efforts were hampered at Kavalappara where more than 30 people are feared dead after a landslide on August 8.

National Disaster Response Force, Indian Army and local police are currently carrying out rescue efforts in flood-affected areas.

The situation may take a turn for worse as the India Meteorological Department has predicted heavy to very heavy rainfall in isolated places over the next five days.

In addition, the weather forecasting agency predicted strong winds with speeds reaching 40-50 kmph over the coastal areas.

Fishermen are advised not to venture into the sea.&nbsp;

Forty-two people have lost their lives as incessant rains continue to wreak havoc in Kerala, and as many as 19 trains have been cancelled on Saturday. Officials said 'Red Alert' has been issued in Ernakulam, Idukki, Palakkad, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad and Kannur districts, were denoting that the regions will receive very heavy to extremely heavy rainfall.

Forty-two people have lost their lives as incessant rains continue to wreak havoc in Kerala, and as many as 19 trains have been cancelled on Saturday. Officials said 'Red Alert' has been issued in Ernakulam, Idukki, Palakkad, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad and Kannur districts, were denoting that the regions will receive very heavy to extremely heavy rainfall. On Friday, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan had said as many as 24 incidents of landslides were reported in the state. In Malappuram, rescue efforts were hampered at Kavalappara where more than 30 people are feared dead after a landslide on August 8. National Disaster Response Force, Indian Army and local police are currently carrying out rescue efforts in flood-affected areas. The situation may take a turn for worse as the India Meteorological Department has predicted heavy to very heavy rainfall in isolated places over the next five days. In addition, the weather forecasting agency predicted strong winds with speeds reaching 40-50 kmph over the coastal areas. Fishermen are advised not to venture into the sea.

42 dead in rain-battered Kerala, 19 trains cancelled

Heavy rains across India leave trail of destruction

With predictions of heavy rainfall, Kerala Disaster Management Authority on Wednesday issued `Red Alert` warning for Idukki, Malappuram and Kozhikode districts for the next 24 hours.

Thrissur, Palakkad, Wayanad, Kannur and Kasaragod were issued 'Orange Alerts'&nbsp;for today. In addition, all schools and colleges in Malappuram and Wayanad districts will remain closed.

Meanwhile, 'Orange Alert'&nbsp;warnings were issued for Idukki, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad and Kasargod districts for Friday.

For Saturday, two districts- Idukki and Kozhikode have been issued 'Orange Alert'&nbsp;warnings.

Indian Meteorological Department on Wednesday had predicted 'Fairly widespread'&nbsp;to 'widespread rainfall'&nbsp;with isolated heavy to very heavy rainfall in the state of Kerala for the next three days.

'Red Alert'&nbsp;warning denotes that an area will receive very heavy to extremely heavy rainfall.

An 'Orange Alert'&nbsp;warning denotes heavy to very heavy rainfall in a particular area.&nbsp;

Last year's disastrous floods in Kerala claimed over 350 lives across the state.

The shutters of nearly 33 dangerously full dams and reservoirs were opened for the first time in the history of Kerala in nearly a century.&nbsp;

State authorities estimated a cumulative loss worth over Rs 21,000 crore in the catastrophe that was announced as 'calamity of severe nature' by the central government.&nbsp;

With predictions of heavy rainfall, Kerala Disaster Management Authority on Wednesday issued `Red Alert` warning for Idukki, Malappuram and Kozhikode districts for the next 24 hours.

With predictions of heavy rainfall, Kerala Disaster Management Authority on Wednesday issued `Red Alert` warning for Idukki, Malappuram and Kozhikode districts for the next 24 hours. Thrissur, Palakkad, Wayanad, Kannur and Kasaragod were issued 'Orange Alerts' for today. In addition, all schools and colleges in Malappuram and Wayanad districts will remain closed. Meanwhile, 'Orange Alert' warnings were issued for Idukki, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad and Kasargod districts for Friday. For Saturday, two districts- Idukki and Kozhikode have been issued 'Orange Alert' warnings. Indian Meteorological Department on Wednesday had predicted 'Fairly widespread' to 'widespread rainfall' with isolated heavy to very heavy rainfall in the state of Kerala for the next three days. 'Red Alert' warning denotes that an area will receive very heavy to extremely heavy rainfall. An 'Orange Alert' warning denotes heavy to very heavy rainfall in a particular area. Last year's disastrous floods in Kerala claimed over 350 lives across the state. The shutters of nearly 33 dangerously full dams and reservoirs were opened for the first time in the history of Kerala in nearly a century. State authorities estimated a cumulative loss worth over Rs 21,000 crore in the catastrophe that was announced as 'calamity of severe nature' by the central government.

Kerala: 'Red Alert' warning issued for three districts on predictions of heavy rainfall

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan expressed grief over the death of journalist KM Basheer in a road accident and stated that his government will consider measures to ensure greater risk protection of journalists in the workplace.

Basheer (35) was killed after a speeding car driven by IAS officer Sriram Venkitaraman rammed into his bike in Thiruvananthapuram in the wee hours of Saturday.

"There is an insurance scheme for journalists. We will expand and restructure it in order to ensure that the family is safe enough to cope with complex situations. The government will take urgent measures to address these issues," Vijayan said in a Facebook post hours after Basheer's death.

Vijayan also said the state government is dealing with all matters related to the accident in a serious manner.

Basheer, Vijayan said, was a regular face at Thiruvananthapuram Press Club, adding that the journalist's death caused much grief.

"When I saw his face for the last time, I felt like a family member has left us," he said in his post.

"No compromise of any kind will be allowed and we will do everything possible to bring to justice to those responsible for Basheer's death," Vijayan said.

The IAS officer has been sent to 14-day judicial custody in connection with the accident.

The police have registered a case under Section 279 (for reckless driving) and 304 (for culpable homicide not amounting to murder) of the Indian Penal Code.

The IAS officer was returning after a party and was accompanied by a friend when the accident took place. He was reportedly in an inebriated state while driving the car.

Basheer was the Chief of Trivandrum Bureau of Malayalam daily Siraj and was rushed to a government hospital, but could not be saved.&nbsp;

Sriram, who also sustained injuries in the accident, was also taken to a nearby hospital.

In a statement recorded of Sriram after the accident, the officer had claimed that at the time of the accident, the car was driven by his friend.

However, the journalist fraternity had alleged that there were lapses from the police during the probe. The fraternity also claimed that the police did not conduct Sriram's blood test.

&nbsp;

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan expressed grief over the death of journalist KM Basheer in a road accident and stated that his government will consider measures to ensure greater risk protection of journalists in the workplace.

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan expressed grief over the death of journalist KM Basheer in a road accident and stated that his government will consider measures to ensure greater risk protection of journalists in the workplace. Basheer (35) was killed after a speeding car driven by IAS officer Sriram Venkitaraman rammed into his bike in Thiruvananthapuram in the wee hours of Saturday. "There is an insurance scheme for journalists. We will expand and restructure it in order to ensure that the family is safe enough to cope with complex situations. The government will take urgent measures to address these issues," Vijayan said in a Facebook post hours after Basheer's death. Vijayan also said the state government is dealing with all matters related to the accident in a serious manner. Basheer, Vijayan said, was a regular face at Thiruvananthapuram Press Club, adding that the journalist's death caused much grief. "When I saw his face for the last time, I felt like a family member has left us," he said in his post. "No compromise of any kind will be allowed and we will do everything possible to bring to justice to those responsible for Basheer's death," Vijayan said. The IAS officer has been sent to 14-day judicial custody in connection with the accident. The police have registered a case under Section 279 (for reckless driving) and 304 (for culpable homicide not amounting to murder) of the Indian Penal Code. The IAS officer was returning after a party and was accompanied by a friend when the accident took place. He was reportedly in an inebriated state while driving the car. Basheer was the Chief of Trivandrum Bureau of Malayalam daily Siraj and was rushed to a government hospital, but could not be saved. Sriram, who also sustained injuries in the accident, was also taken to a nearby hospital. In a statement recorded of Sriram after the accident, the officer had claimed that at the time of the accident, the car was driven by his friend. However, the journalist fraternity had alleged that there were lapses from the police during the probe. The fraternity also claimed that the police did not conduct Sriram's blood test.

Will consider measures to ensure greater risk protection of journalists in workplace: Kerala CM Vijayan

A man from Kerala, who joined the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/american-islamic-state-sniper-charged-in-new-york-justice-department-237202">Islamic State (ISIS)</a> in October 2017, reportedly died in an American drone strike in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/islamic-state-in-afghanistan-aspires-to-attack-us-marine-general-frank-mckenzie-226736">Afghanistan</a> on July 18.

According to sources, Muhammad Muhasin, a resident of Edappal town in Malappuram district in Kerala died along with Huzaifa-al-Bakistani, a key commander of the Islamic State in the Khorosan province of Afghanistan.

Bakistani was a highly trained Pakistani terrorist, who radicalised several Indian youths.

The news of Muhammad Muhasin`s death was communicated to his family in Kerala via a WhatsApp message from an unidentified number from Afghanistan.

The text in the Malayalam language said, "Your brother was seeking martyrdom. Allah has fulfilled his wish as per his aspiration. He was martyred 10 days ago in a drone attack by the American forces".

"Please do not reveal this to the police, otherwise they will come to your home and start bothering you. Your brother doesn`t want this", the message read.

Several people from the state, both men and women, have joined ISIS over the last few years. According to government data, accessed by ANI, the majority of people who have joined ISIS from Kerala are from the Kannur city of the state.

As on June 15, nearly 40 people including eight women, from Kannur, have joined the ISIS.

The data further reveals that over the last few years 98 people from Kerala joined the Islamic State, out of which 38 were killed and 60 are still alive and fighting for the terrorist organisation.

Besides Kannur, some misguided people from Kasaragod, Kozhikode, Malappuram, Palakkad, Eranakulam and Thrissur have joined ISIS.

A majority of them were influenced by ISIS through social media. According to sources, most of the pro-ISIS accounts of Malayalee groups are operated from the Gulf countries.&nbsp;

These groups specifically target Muslims from Kerala. The ISIS, which has made inroads in southern India, could potentially extend support to several radical groups like it did in Sri Lanka.

A man from Kerala, who joined the Islamic State (ISIS) in October 2017, reportedly died in an American drone strike in Afghanistan on July 18. According to sources, Muhammad Muhasin, a resident of Edappal town in Malappuram district in Kerala died along with Huzaifa-al-Bakistani, a key commander of the Islamic State in the Khorosan province of Afghanistan.

A man from Kerala, who joined the Islamic State (ISIS) in October 2017, reportedly died in an American drone strike in Afghanistan on July 18. According to sources, Muhammad Muhasin, a resident of Edappal town in Malappuram district in Kerala died along with Huzaifa-al-Bakistani, a key commander of the Islamic State in the Khorosan province of Afghanistan. Bakistani was a highly trained Pakistani terrorist, who radicalised several Indian youths. The news of Muhammad Muhasin`s death was communicated to his family in Kerala via a WhatsApp message from an unidentified number from Afghanistan. The text in the Malayalam language said, "Your brother was seeking martyrdom. Allah has fulfilled his wish as per his aspiration. He was martyred 10 days ago in a drone attack by the American forces". "Please do not reveal this to the police, otherwise they will come to your home and start bothering you. Your brother doesn`t want this", the message read. Several people from the state, both men and women, have joined ISIS over the last few years. According to government data, accessed by ANI, the majority of people who have joined ISIS from Kerala are from the Kannur city of the state. As on June 15, nearly 40 people including eight women, from Kannur, have joined the ISIS. The data further reveals that over the last few years 98 people from Kerala joined the Islamic State, out of which 38 were killed and 60 are still alive and fighting for the terrorist organisation. Besides Kannur, some misguided people from Kasaragod, Kozhikode, Malappuram, Palakkad, Eranakulam and Thrissur have joined ISIS. A majority of them were influenced by ISIS through social media. According to sources, most of the pro-ISIS accounts of Malayalee groups are operated from the Gulf countries. These groups specifically target Muslims from Kerala. The ISIS, which has made inroads in southern India, could potentially extend support to several radical groups like it did in Sri Lanka.

Kerala man, who joined ISIS, dies in US drone strike in Afghanistan

A red alert has been issued for Kannur and Kasaragod districts of Kerala as India Meteorological Department (IMD)<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/heavy-rainfall-predicted-in-andhra-pradesh-karnataka-237268"> predicted "extremely heavy" rainfall</a> at isolated places in the state today.

An orange alert has been issued for Kozhikode, Malappuram, and Wayanad. Moreover, a yellow alert has been issued for Palakkad, Thrissur, Ernakulam, and Idukki.

A holiday has been declared for schools in Kannur, Kasargod and Malappuram districts.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-meteorological-department-predicts-heavy-rainfall-in-uttarakhand-237689">IMD</a> has further stated that that rough to very rough sea conditions are expected to prevail along and off Goa-Karnataka-Kerala and south Tamil Nadu coasts and Andaman and Nicobar and Lakshadweep Islands.

Fishermen have been advised not to venture into these areas for the next few days.

A red alert has been issued for Kannur and Kasaragod districts of Kerala as India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicted "extremely heavy" rainfall at isolated places in the state today.

A red alert has been issued for Kannur and Kasaragod districts of Kerala as India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicted "extremely heavy" rainfall at isolated places in the state today. An orange alert has been issued for Kozhikode, Malappuram, and Wayanad. Moreover, a yellow alert has been issued for Palakkad, Thrissur, Ernakulam, and Idukki. A holiday has been declared for schools in Kannur, Kasargod and Malappuram districts. IMD has further stated that that rough to very rough sea conditions are expected to prevail along and off Goa-Karnataka-Kerala and south Tamil Nadu coasts and Andaman and Nicobar and Lakshadweep Islands. Fishermen have been advised not to venture into these areas for the next few days.

Kerala: Red alert issued for Kannur, Kasaragod

Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Sunday wrote to External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar requesting him to make all possible efforts to ensure the safety of crew of British Oil Tanker seized by Iran's Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) in the Strait of Hormuz comprised Indians, including four persons from the state.

In a letter dated July 21, Vijayan stated, "I have learnt from great concern from media reports that crew of the British Oil Tanker seized by Iran Revolutionary Guards in the Strait of Hormuz comprises Indians, including four persons from Kerala. I also understand that your ministry is making interventions in this matter."

The Chief Minister has also sought complete details of the stranded crew so that their family members can be contacted at the hour of crisis.

"I request that all possible efforts to ensure the safety of the crew be made and the relevant details of persons may be shared with the State Government so that their family members can be contacted and we can be of help in their hour of crisis."

Two ships were seized by Iran`s Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) on Friday - the UK-flagged Stena Impero and a Liberian-flagged MV Mesdar.

Iranian media reported that the British vessel was captured after an accident with a fishing boat, while the IRGC said that the vessel was held for "violating international regulations."

While the Liberian-flagged ship was let off by Iran, Stena Impero has been taken to Iran's Bandar Abbas Port. Even though the ship was registered in the UK, there were no Britons on board. The 23-man crew was made up of people with Indian, Russian, Latvian and Filipino nationality.

India is currently in touch with the Government of Iran to secure the early release and repatriation of Indian nationals onboard the detained UK-flagged vessel.&nbsp;

Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Sunday wrote to External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar requesting him to make all possible efforts to ensure the safety of crew of British Oil Tanker seized by Iran's Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) in the Strait of Hormuz comprised Indians, including four persons from the state.

Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Sunday wrote to External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar requesting him to make all possible efforts to ensure the safety of crew of British Oil Tanker seized by Iran's Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) in the Strait of Hormuz comprised Indians, including four persons from the state. In a letter dated July 21, Vijayan stated, "I have learnt from great concern from media reports that crew of the British Oil Tanker seized by Iran Revolutionary Guards in the Strait of Hormuz comprises Indians, including four persons from Kerala. I also understand that your ministry is making interventions in this matter." The Chief Minister has also sought complete details of the stranded crew so that their family members can be contacted at the hour of crisis. "I request that all possible efforts to ensure the safety of the crew be made and the relevant details of persons may be shared with the State Government so that their family members can be contacted and we can be of help in their hour of crisis." Two ships were seized by Iran`s Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) on Friday - the UK-flagged Stena Impero and a Liberian-flagged MV Mesdar. Iranian media reported that the British vessel was captured after an accident with a fishing boat, while the IRGC said that the vessel was held for "violating international regulations." While the Liberian-flagged ship was let off by Iran, Stena Impero has been taken to Iran's Bandar Abbas Port. Even though the ship was registered in the UK, there were no Britons on board. The 23-man crew was made up of people with Indian, Russian, Latvian and Filipino nationality. India is currently in touch with the Government of Iran to secure the early release and repatriation of Indian nationals onboard the detained UK-flagged vessel.

Kerala Chief Minister seeks Jaishankar's intervention to repatriate stranded crew of British oil tanker in Iran

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-gets-24-below-average-rainfall-this-week-india-meteorological-department-230768">India's monsoon rains</a> were 20 per cent below average in the week ending on Wednesday, as rainfall was scanty over the central, western and southern parts of the country, the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/assam-meghalaya-likely-to-receive-heavy-rainfall-india-meteorological-department-235428">India Meteorological Department</a> (IMD) said, raising concerns over the output of summer-sown crops.

Monsoon rains are crucial for farm output and economic growth, as about 55 per cent of India's arable land is rain-fed, and agriculture forms about 15 per cent of a $2.5 trillion economy that is the third biggest in Asia.

Soybean- and cotton-growing central regions received 68 per cent less rainfall in the week, while the rubber- and tea-growing southern state of Kerala received 71 per cent lower rainfall, data from the weather office showed.

Overall, India has received rains that were 16 per cent less than average since the monsoon season began on June 1.&nbsp;

India's monsoon rains were 20 per cent below average in the week ending on Wednesday, as rainfall was scanty over the central, western and southern parts of the country, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said, raising concerns over the output of summer-sown crops.

India's monsoon rains were 20 per cent below average in the week ending on Wednesday, as rainfall was scanty over the central, western and southern parts of the country, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said, raising concerns over the output of summer-sown crops. Monsoon rains are crucial for farm output and economic growth, as about 55 per cent of India's arable land is rain-fed, and agriculture forms about 15 per cent of a $2.5 trillion economy that is the third biggest in Asia. Soybean- and cotton-growing central regions received 68 per cent less rainfall in the week, while the rubber- and tea-growing southern state of Kerala received 71 per cent lower rainfall, data from the weather office showed. Overall, India has received rains that were 16 per cent less than average since the monsoon season began on June 1.

India gets rainfall 20 per cent below average in latest week: IMD

With summer holidays beginning in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/glacier-the-size-of-britain-could-disappear-and-drown-low-lying-coasts-study-234708">Britain</a> this week, officials are redoubling efforts at the border to stop young people from being dragged into forced marriages.

At a Heathrow Airport arrivals gate, an AFP reporter watched as officials from a special task force comprising police, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/as-us-agents-prepare-to-arrest-thousands-migrants-live-in-fear-235693">immigration agents</a> and charity workers intercepted a family disembarking a flight from Bangalore, India.

A young woman in the group raised red flags because of bruises on her arm, while a 13-year-old girl appeared especially timid both indicators of potential coercion.

After speaking to family members individually, officials were satisfied that the family was traveling to Britain for a funeral and the bruising was due to a traffic accident.

But the officials also learned that the young woman's parents had recently found her a fiance in their home state of Kerala and that he, too, may travel to Britain.

Trained task force officers took the woman aside to brief her on her rights and to press upon her that forced marriage is illegal in Britain.

"She's (now) aware of consent, and that she can withdraw her consent at any time," Detective Sergeant Kate Bridger of the Metropolitan Police told her team after they questioned 72 of the 250 people on the Air India flight.

'No winners here'&nbsp;

Britain outlawed forced marriage in 2014, with a maximum jail term of seven years for offenders.

Figures from the interior ministry's forced marriage unit show 1,764 reported cases in 2018 &nbsp;a 47 percent increase from the year before.

The reported cases are thought to be the tip of the iceberg.

Most cases involve Britons being married against their will overseas, mainly in Bangladesh, India, and Pakistan.

So the task force targeted passengers on flights to and from the Indian sub-continent as well as Middle East hub airports.

"It's not just a South Asian problem... it cuts across lots of different cultures and communities too," task force member detective sergeant Trudy Gittins told AFP.

Men were also affected, she said, as well as members of the LGBT community with cases of gay men forced to marry members of the opposite sex by their conservative families.

Cases in Britain have ranged from a two-year-old promised in a religious ceremony to marry into another family, to an 80-year-old Alzheimer's sufferer whose carer forced him into marriage to inherit his estate.

A third of the victims are younger than 18, and three-quarters are girls or women.

West Midlands Police last year secured the first conviction in England for forced marriage, with a woman jailed after her 13-year-old daughter was raped by her "fiance", a relative in Pakistan.

"There are no winners here this was her mum," said Gittins.

Senior officers said the emphasis of this week's operation was on prevention rather than prosecution.

"Our focus is not to criminalize parents or members of the extended family," said the Met's acting chief superintendent Parm Sandhu.&nbsp;

"Our focus is to safeguard young people."

Like being 'buried alive'

The task force is targeting Britain's busiest airports, stations and ports as the school holiday season gets underway a time when cases typically spike.

As team members gathered in a windowless room in the bowels of Heathrow, Gittins told them that victims have described being forced into marriage as being "buried alive".

"I want you to feel that statement today," she urged her colleagues.&nbsp;

Some of those greeted by the task force on arrival at Heathrow welcomed the initiative.

"We were very surprised, it's not something we've come across before," said Karan Shah, 31, with his wife on a three-week visit to Britain.

The couple had an arranged marriage to which both had agreed, he said, adding that in many parts of rural India forced marriages do still occur.

"It's very unfortunate so I give this a big thumbs up," said Shah.

With summer holidays beginning in Britain this week, officials are redoubling efforts at the border to stop young people from being dragged into forced marriages.

With summer holidays beginning in Britain this week, officials are redoubling efforts at the border to stop young people from being dragged into forced marriages. At a Heathrow Airport arrivals gate, an AFP reporter watched as officials from a special task force comprising police, immigration agents and charity workers intercepted a family disembarking a flight from Bangalore, India. A young woman in the group raised red flags because of bruises on her arm, while a 13-year-old girl appeared especially timid both indicators of potential coercion. After speaking to family members individually, officials were satisfied that the family was traveling to Britain for a funeral and the bruising was due to a traffic accident. But the officials also learned that the young woman's parents had recently found her a fiance in their home state of Kerala and that he, too, may travel to Britain. Trained task force officers took the woman aside to brief her on her rights and to press upon her that forced marriage is illegal in Britain. "She's (now) aware of consent, and that she can withdraw her consent at any time," Detective Sergeant Kate Bridger of the Metropolitan Police told her team after they questioned 72 of the 250 people on the Air India flight. 'No winners here' Britain outlawed forced marriage in 2014, with a maximum jail term of seven years for offenders. Figures from the interior ministry's forced marriage unit show 1,764 reported cases in 2018 a 47 percent increase from the year before. The reported cases are thought to be the tip of the iceberg. Most cases involve Britons being married against their will overseas, mainly in Bangladesh, India, and Pakistan. So the task force targeted passengers on flights to and from the Indian sub-continent as well as Middle East hub airports. "It's not just a South Asian problem... it cuts across lots of different cultures and communities too," task force member detective sergeant Trudy Gittins told AFP. Men were also affected, she said, as well as members of the LGBT community with cases of gay men forced to marry members of the opposite sex by their conservative families. Cases in Britain have ranged from a two-year-old promised in a religious ceremony to marry into another family, to an 80-year-old Alzheimer's sufferer whose carer forced him into marriage to inherit his estate. A third of the victims are younger than 18, and three-quarters are girls or women. West Midlands Police last year secured the first conviction in England for forced marriage, with a woman jailed after her 13-year-old daughter was raped by her "fiance", a relative in Pakistan. "There are no winners here this was her mum," said Gittins. Senior officers said the emphasis of this week's operation was on prevention rather than prosecution. "Our focus is not to criminalize parents or members of the extended family," said the Met's acting chief superintendent Parm Sandhu. "Our focus is to safeguard young people." Like being 'buried alive' The task force is targeting Britain's busiest airports, stations and ports as the school holiday season gets underway a time when cases typically spike. As team members gathered in a windowless room in the bowels of Heathrow, Gittins told them that victims have described being forced into marriage as being "buried alive". "I want you to feel that statement today," she urged her colleagues. Some of those greeted by the task force on arrival at Heathrow welcomed the initiative. "We were very surprised, it's not something we've come across before," said Karan Shah, 31, with his wife on a three-week visit to Britain. The couple had an arranged marriage to which both had agreed, he said, adding that in many parts of rural India forced marriages do still occur. "It's very unfortunate so I give this a big thumbs up," said Shah.

As holidays begin, UK looks out for forced marriages

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/barry-weakens-but-us-officials-warn-of-heavy-rains-floods-tornadoes-236039">Heavy rains</a> continued to lash parts of Kerala on Thursday and the Indian Met Department has forecast heavy to very heavy rains in the state.

According to the Skymet, a private weather forecasting agency, the intensity of rains will peak between July 18-20 with some really heavy rains being observed in pockets.&nbsp;

The remaining days are expected to record moderate to heavy amounts of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/monsoon-rains-wreaking-flood-havoc-across-south-asia-236353">Monsoon rain</a>.

The weather forecasting agency has also said that this spell may lead to the flood-like situation due to which red alert has already been issued by the state authorities.

Places which are likely to observe flooding rains are Punnalur, Alappuzha, Thrissur, Kozhikode and Wayanad.

According to weather experts, Southwest Monsoon has been very disappointing so far as June ended with a deficiency of 44 per cent of rainfall.

Besides, the deficiency of the rainfall between June 1 to July 17 in the region is a whopping 47 per cent.

The weather experts believe that Kerala now requires heavy rains to fulfil the deficient figures if any. "But with the forecast of some really good rains, we could see the rainfall deficiency in the state coming down to some extent."

Heavy rains continued to lash parts of Kerala on Thursday and the Indian Met Department has forecast heavy to very heavy rains in the state. According to the Skymet, a private weather forecasting agency, the intensity of rains will peak between July 18-20 with some really heavy rains being observed in pockets.

Heavy rains continued to lash parts of Kerala on Thursday and the Indian Met Department has forecast heavy to very heavy rains in the state. According to the Skymet, a private weather forecasting agency, the intensity of rains will peak between July 18-20 with some really heavy rains being observed in pockets. The remaining days are expected to record moderate to heavy amounts of Monsoon rain. The weather forecasting agency has also said that this spell may lead to the flood-like situation due to which red alert has already been issued by the state authorities. Places which are likely to observe flooding rains are Punnalur, Alappuzha, Thrissur, Kozhikode and Wayanad. According to weather experts, Southwest Monsoon has been very disappointing so far as June ended with a deficiency of 44 per cent of rainfall. Besides, the deficiency of the rainfall between June 1 to July 17 in the region is a whopping 47 per cent. The weather experts believe that Kerala now requires heavy rains to fulfil the deficient figures if any. "But with the forecast of some really good rains, we could see the rainfall deficiency in the state coming down to some extent."

Red alert in Kerala, heavy rains to lash several areas

A day after <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/tamil-nadu-rejects-keralas-offer-of-20-lakh-litres-drinking-water-229085">Kerala extended support to Tamil Nadu </a>amid the severe water crisis in the state, Tamil Nadu chief minister K. Palaniswami on Friday urged the neighbouring state for further cooperation.

Welcoming Kerala's gesture to supply water to Tamil Nadu, the CM asked the Kerala government to cooperate in strengthening&nbsp;Mullaperiyar Dam.

Palaniswami said, "Tamil Nadu government is working to strengthen Mullaperiyar Dam in order to store more water. Unfortunately, the Kerala government is not letting us do this. I urge Kerala government to cooperate with us on this."&nbsp;

Pointing to the Supreme Court judgement on the Mullaiperiyar dam which had said that water could be stored to the full level of 152 ft after carrying out strengthening works, he alleged that Kerala, however, scuttled refurbishment works.

"I thank the Kerala Chief Minister, but 2 MLD water will not be sufficient. We are every day supplying 525 MLD water (in Chennai) and if 2 MLD water could be given every day, it will be useful for the people," he said.

"The four lakes that supply water to the city have dried up, the government has drawn up a plan to implement to bring water from Jolarpettai through railway. We'll get daily 10 MLD of water for the supply,"&nbsp;he added.

"Poondi, Chembarambakkam, Sholavaram and Red Hills reservoirs in Chennai have dried up and despite that supplies were being made to the people," he said.

The Kerala government Thursday expressed willingness to provide 20 lakh litres drinking water to Tamil Nadu.

Meanwhile, Tamil Nadu chief minister also raked up a controversy by his comments claiming that&nbsp;drought and deficient monsoon had resulted in depletion of groundwater levels but the issue was not as big as was being made out, especially in the media.

(With inputs from agencies)

A day after Kerala extended support to Tamil Nadu amid the severe water crisis in the state, Tamil Nadu chief minister K. Palaniswami on Friday urged the neighbouring state for further cooperation.

A day after Kerala extended support to Tamil Nadu amid the severe water crisis in the state, Tamil Nadu chief minister K. Palaniswami on Friday urged the neighbouring state for further cooperation. Welcoming Kerala's gesture to supply water to Tamil Nadu, the CM asked the Kerala government to cooperate in strengthening Mullaperiyar Dam. Palaniswami said, "Tamil Nadu government is working to strengthen Mullaperiyar Dam in order to store more water. Unfortunately, the Kerala government is not letting us do this. I urge Kerala government to cooperate with us on this." Pointing to the Supreme Court judgement on the Mullaiperiyar dam which had said that water could be stored to the full level of 152 ft after carrying out strengthening works, he alleged that Kerala, however, scuttled refurbishment works. "I thank the Kerala Chief Minister, but 2 MLD water will not be sufficient. We are every day supplying 525 MLD water (in Chennai) and if 2 MLD water could be given every day, it will be useful for the people," he said. "The four lakes that supply water to the city have dried up, the government has drawn up a plan to implement to bring water from Jolarpettai through railway. We'll get daily 10 MLD of water for the supply," he added. "Poondi, Chembarambakkam, Sholavaram and Red Hills reservoirs in Chennai have dried up and despite that supplies were being made to the people," he said. The Kerala government Thursday expressed willingness to provide 20 lakh litres drinking water to Tamil Nadu. Meanwhile, Tamil Nadu chief minister also raked up a controversy by his comments claiming that drought and deficient monsoon had resulted in depletion of groundwater levels but the issue was not as big as was being made out, especially in the media. (With inputs from agencies)

Chennai water crisis: Palaniswami welcomes Kerala's water offer, asks for more cooperation

It`s been more than five months that a boat allegedly sailed off from Kerala coast carrying over 243 Indians who went missing.&nbsp;

With no trace of them, their families are currently seeking help from the External Affairs Ministry in New Delhi.

Kasturi, a relative of one of the 243 people, said, "My family informed us that they are going to Kerala and later we got to hear that they are going to New Zealand in a boat sailing off from Kerala coast. We came here to seek help from the government."

Sundar Lingam, a relative of one of the missing persons, said, "We are here to meet the External Affairs Minister and appeal the government to look into our issue. My family, relatives and beloved ones are missing and there`s no trace of them yet. I am not aware of a third party who is involved in this matter."

Devendra, who couldn`t go along with his wife and two children in the boat, told ANI, "People were taken in a bus to the coast. By the time it was my turn, the driver informed me that I can join them later as the bus would return and take remaining people. However, when I called them after a few hours, they informed me that the boat has already boarded from Kerala coast and there`s no space left."

He also alleged that a person named Ravinder allured the people of the Madangir village in the pretext of having a good life in New Zealand.

"Over 35 people from my family went in that boat and we have even approached the Kerala government to look into the matter. However, the government is paying no heed to our issue. Few enquiries were made by the police, but no action was taken in this regard," Ananti, another relative, told ANI.

Reportedly, many people from Madangir village have boarded the boat destined to New Zealand illegally in January.&nbsp;

It`s been more than five months that a boat allegedly sailed off from Kerala coast carrying over 243 Indians who went missing. With no trace of them, their families are currently seeking help from the External Affairs Ministry in New Delhi.

It`s been more than five months that a boat allegedly sailed off from Kerala coast carrying over 243 Indians who went missing. With no trace of them, their families are currently seeking help from the External Affairs Ministry in New Delhi. Kasturi, a relative of one of the 243 people, said, "My family informed us that they are going to Kerala and later we got to hear that they are going to New Zealand in a boat sailing off from Kerala coast. We came here to seek help from the government." Sundar Lingam, a relative of one of the missing persons, said, "We are here to meet the External Affairs Minister and appeal the government to look into our issue. My family, relatives and beloved ones are missing and there`s no trace of them yet. I am not aware of a third party who is involved in this matter." Devendra, who couldn`t go along with his wife and two children in the boat, told ANI, "People were taken in a bus to the coast. By the time it was my turn, the driver informed me that I can join them later as the bus would return and take remaining people. However, when I called them after a few hours, they informed me that the boat has already boarded from Kerala coast and there`s no space left." He also alleged that a person named Ravinder allured the people of the Madangir village in the pretext of having a good life in New Zealand. "Over 35 people from my family went in that boat and we have even approached the Kerala government to look into the matter. However, the government is paying no heed to our issue. Few enquiries were made by the police, but no action was taken in this regard," Ananti, another relative, told ANI. Reportedly, many people from Madangir village have boarded the boat destined to New Zealand illegally in January.

Families of 243 people missing from Kerala seek government's help

Monsoon has progressed more slowly than usual after hitting Kerala nearly a week late. Monsoon rains have been 44 per cent&nbsp;lower-than-average so far in June, delaying the sowing of summer-sown crops and raising concerns that parts of the country could face a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/tamil-nadu-faces-severe-water-crisis-chief-minister-k-palaniswami-says-not-a-big-issue-228613">worsening drought</a>.

This shortfall could have a major impact on consumer demand, the overall economy and financial markets.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast average rainfall in 2019, while the country's only private forecaster Skymet has predicted below-normal rainfall.

What are the monsoon types?

A normal, or average, monsoon means rainfall between 96 per cent and 104 per cent of a 50-year average of 89 cm in total during the four-month monsoon season from June to September, according to the IMD's classification.

Rainfall below 90 per cent of the average is classified as deficient, the same as a drought. In 2018, India received 9 per cent lower rainfall than normal, although in some regions the deficit was as high as 37 per cent.

Rainfall above 110 per cent of the average would mean an excessive monsoon, which could cause flooding and reduce the yields of certain crops.

Watch: Monsoon delayed, heatwave persists as temperature hover around 50°C

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The monsoon season starts with rains on the southern Kerala coast around June 1, and usually covers the country by the middle of July.

What is the progress this year?

The monsoon arrived in Kerala on June 8 versus the usual June 1. However, Cyclone Vayu developed in the Arabian Sea and that drew moisture from the monsoon and weakened its progress. The monsoon typically covers half of India by mid-June but this year has covered just a quarter of the country.

Does the delay mean lower rainfall?

There are instances when the monsoon delivered average or above average rainfall even after arriving late or progressing slowly.

In 2016, the monsoon landed in Kerala on June 8 but covered the entire country by July 13 and delivered average rainfall. Other times, rainfall deficits in June were fully offset by a week of raining in July.

The monsoon delivers about 70 per cent of India's annual rainfall and determines the yield of rice, wheat, sugarcane and oilseeds, such as soybeans. Farming makes up about 15 per cent of India's $2.5 trillion economy but employs more than half of its 1.3 billion people.

Rising farm output from a decent monsoon boosts demand for consumer goods in rural regions.

A stronger economic outlook tends to lift the stock prices of companies focused on selling products in rural areas.

India is self-sufficient in rice and wheat, but a drought would increases imports of pulses and edible oils, such as palm oil, soyoil and sunflower oil. Monsoon rains replenish reservoirs and groundwater, allowing better irrigation and more hydropower output. Higher rainfall can trim demand for subsidised diesel, which is used to pump wells for irrigation.

Why is the monsoon key for Prime Minister Narendra Modi?

PM Modi has promised to double farmers' income over five years and promised to boost the economy. Makers of consumer products are reporting poor rural demand. Depleting reservoirs have forced cities including Chennai, Mumbai and Hyderabad to cut water supplies.

How does the monsoon affect prices and RBI policy?

Food makes up nearly half of India's consumer price index, which the Reserve Bank of India monitors when deciding on monetary policy, including interest rates. Bumper farm output would keep food prices under control.

The government has paid farmers during past droughts, straining the fiscal deficit. A good monsoon will limit that kind of government spending. A drought would raise vegetable and pulse prices, requiring increased spending on welfare schemes.

How reliable are monsoon forecasts?

The IMD issues its first forecast typically in mid-April.

On average, its forecast has been accurate only once every five years over the past two decades, even after taking into account an error band of plus or minus 5 percentage points.

The IMD's 2017 forecast was the most accurate since 2008. In 2018, it forecast 97 per cent rainfall but India received only 91 per cent. Even during normal monsoon years, some parts of India face drought while others flood.

In 2018, Kerala had it worst flooding in about 100 years even as the western state of Maharashtra had a drought. The IMD releases its second monsoon forecast in the last week of May or first week of June with an update in the middle of the monsoon season.

Monsoon has progressed more slowly than usual after hitting Kerala nearly a week late. Monsoon rains have been 44 per cent lower-than-average so far in June, delaying the sowing of summer-sown crops and raising concerns that parts of the country could face a worsening drought.

Monsoon has progressed more slowly than usual after hitting Kerala nearly a week late. Monsoon rains have been 44 per cent lower-than-average so far in June, delaying the sowing of summer-sown crops and raising concerns that parts of the country could face a worsening drought. This shortfall could have a major impact on consumer demand, the overall economy and financial markets. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast average rainfall in 2019, while the country's only private forecaster Skymet has predicted below-normal rainfall. What are the monsoon types? A normal, or average, monsoon means rainfall between 96 per cent and 104 per cent of a 50-year average of 89 cm in total during the four-month monsoon season from June to September, according to the IMD's classification. Rainfall below 90 per cent of the average is classified as deficient, the same as a drought. In 2018, India received 9 per cent lower rainfall than normal, although in some regions the deficit was as high as 37 per cent. Rainfall above 110 per cent of the average would mean an excessive monsoon, which could cause flooding and reduce the yields of certain crops. Watch: Monsoon delayed, heatwave persists as temperature hover around 50°C The monsoon season starts with rains on the southern Kerala coast around June 1, and usually covers the country by the middle of July. What is the progress this year? The monsoon arrived in Kerala on June 8 versus the usual June 1. However, Cyclone Vayu developed in the Arabian Sea and that drew moisture from the monsoon and weakened its progress. The monsoon typically covers half of India by mid-June but this year has covered just a quarter of the country. Does the delay mean lower rainfall? There are instances when the monsoon delivered average or above average rainfall even after arriving late or progressing slowly. In 2016, the monsoon landed in Kerala on June 8 but covered the entire country by July 13 and delivered average rainfall. Other times, rainfall deficits in June were fully offset by a week of raining in July. The monsoon delivers about 70 per cent of India's annual rainfall and determines the yield of rice, wheat, sugarcane and oilseeds, such as soybeans. Farming makes up about 15 per cent of India's $2.5 trillion economy but employs more than half of its 1.3 billion people. Rising farm output from a decent monsoon boosts demand for consumer goods in rural regions. A stronger economic outlook tends to lift the stock prices of companies focused on selling products in rural areas. India is self-sufficient in rice and wheat, but a drought would increases imports of pulses and edible oils, such as palm oil, soyoil and sunflower oil. Monsoon rains replenish reservoirs and groundwater, allowing better irrigation and more hydropower output. Higher rainfall can trim demand for subsidised diesel, which is used to pump wells for irrigation. Why is the monsoon key for Prime Minister Narendra Modi? PM Modi has promised to double farmers' income over five years and promised to boost the economy. Makers of consumer products are reporting poor rural demand. Depleting reservoirs have forced cities including Chennai, Mumbai and Hyderabad to cut water supplies. How does the monsoon affect prices and RBI policy? Food makes up nearly half of India's consumer price index, which the Reserve Bank of India monitors when deciding on monetary policy, including interest rates. Bumper farm output would keep food prices under control. The government has paid farmers during past droughts, straining the fiscal deficit. A good monsoon will limit that kind of government spending. A drought would raise vegetable and pulse prices, requiring increased spending on welfare schemes. How reliable are monsoon forecasts? The IMD issues its first forecast typically in mid-April. On average, its forecast has been accurate only once every five years over the past two decades, even after taking into account an error band of plus or minus 5 percentage points. The IMD's 2017 forecast was the most accurate since 2008. In 2018, it forecast 97 per cent rainfall but India received only 91 per cent. Even during normal monsoon years, some parts of India face drought while others flood. In 2018, Kerala had it worst flooding in about 100 years even as the western state of Maharashtra had a drought. The IMD releases its second monsoon forecast in the last week of May or first week of June with an update in the middle of the monsoon season.

In India, all eyes on a monsoon that is critical for the economy

Three persons of ISIS module were arrested and remanded to judicial custody till June 28 on Tuesday, news agency ANI reported. An FIR into the matter has been registered.&nbsp;

As per reports, those arrested are suspected of planning an attack on public and intelligence officials as well as on public sites such as churches, temples, mosques and other religious places in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu.

This comes just a few days after three terror suspects arrested in connection with the Kerala-Tamil Nadu ISIS module case were <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/kerala-tamil-nadu-isis-module-3-terror-suspects-sent-to-judicial-custody-227435">sent to judicial custody on Saturday</a>.

Information was received that the three suspects were staunch supporters of ISIS and have been propagating the terror group's ideologies on social media, news agency ANI reported.&nbsp;

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Coimbatore: Three persons of ISIS module arrested and remanded to judicial custody till 28th June. FIR registered. They are suspected of planning an attack on public, intelligence officials, churches, temples, mosques, &amp; other religious places in Coimbatore
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They were also an active supporter of alleged Sri Lankan bombings mastermind Zahran Hashim.

In a search conducted at their residence, digital devices including cell phones, SIM cards computers, hard disks, bank account documents, pen drives, memory cards and certain other incriminating documents were recovered from their possession.

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Three persons of ISIS module were arrested and remanded to judicial custody till June 28 on Tuesday, news agency ANI reported. An FIR into the matter has been registered.

Three persons of ISIS module were arrested and remanded to judicial custody till June 28 on Tuesday, news agency ANI reported. An FIR into the matter has been registered. As per reports, those arrested are suspected of planning an attack on public and intelligence officials as well as on public sites such as churches, temples, mosques and other religious places in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu. This comes just a few days after three terror suspects arrested in connection with the Kerala-Tamil Nadu ISIS module case were sent to judicial custody on Saturday. Information was received that the three suspects were staunch supporters of ISIS and have been propagating the terror group's ideologies on social media, news agency ANI reported. Coimbatore: Three persons of ISIS module arrested and remanded to judicial custody till 28th June. FIR registered. They are suspected of planning an attack on public, intelligence officials, churches, temples, mosques, & other religious places in Coimbatore — ANI (@ANI) June 18, 2019 × They were also an active supporter of alleged Sri Lankan bombings mastermind Zahran Hashim. In a search conducted at their residence, digital devices including cell phones, SIM cards computers, hard disks, bank account documents, pen drives, memory cards and certain other incriminating documents were recovered from their possession. (With inputs from agencies)

Tamil Nadu: 3 arrested in connection to ISIS module, remanded to judicial custody till June 28

Three terror suspects arrested in connection with the Kerala-Tamil Nadu ISIS module case were on Saturday sent to judicial custody.

Principal Judicial Magistrate Saktivel sent accused Mohammad Hussain, Shajahan and Safiullah to judicial custody after the trio was presented before him at his residence.

They were arrested in connection with the ISIS module case of Kerala and Tamil Nadu.

Information was received that the three suspects were staunch supporters of ISIS and have been propagating the terror group's ideologies on social media.

They were also an active supporter of alleged Sri Lankan bombings mastermind Zahran Hashim.

A search was conducted at their residence and digital devices including cell phones, SIM cards computers, hard disks, bank account documents, pen drives, memory cards and certain other incriminating documents were recovered from their possession.

Three terror suspects arrested in connection with the Kerala-Tamil Nadu ISIS module case were on Saturday sent to judicial custody. Principal Judicial Magistrate Saktivel sent accused Mohammad Hussain, Shajahan and Safiullah to judicial custody after the trio was presented before him at his residence.

Three terror suspects arrested in connection with the Kerala-Tamil Nadu ISIS module case were on Saturday sent to judicial custody. Principal Judicial Magistrate Saktivel sent accused Mohammad Hussain, Shajahan and Safiullah to judicial custody after the trio was presented before him at his residence. They were arrested in connection with the ISIS module case of Kerala and Tamil Nadu. Information was received that the three suspects were staunch supporters of ISIS and have been propagating the terror group's ideologies on social media. They were also an active supporter of alleged Sri Lankan bombings mastermind Zahran Hashim. A search was conducted at their residence and digital devices including cell phones, SIM cards computers, hard disks, bank account documents, pen drives, memory cards and certain other incriminating documents were recovered from their possession.

Kerala-Tamil Nadu ISIS module: 3 terror suspects sent to judicial custody

An eight-member team of scientists from the Institute of Advanced Virology, Kerala, and National Institute of Virology. Pune, arrived in North Paravur, Ernakulam, to collect samples from fruit-eating bats to find the source of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/kerala-four-suspected-of-nipah-virus-discharged-from-isolation-ward-in-kochi-225645">Nipah virus</a>.

Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare, Dr&nbsp;Harsh Vardhan had said on June 4 that the Centre has rushed a team of doctors to Kerala for investigation in the wake of the scare of Nipah virus.

There has been widespread panic caused by the emergence of cases testing positive for the viral infection.

Nipah virus is a zoonotic virus but it can also be transmitted from person to person and through contaminated food.

World Health Organisation says that Nipah Virus is caused by fruit bats and is potentially fatal to humans as well as animals.

Along with respiratory illness, it is also known to cause fever, muscular pain, headache, fever, dizziness, and nausea.

The virus caused 17 deaths in Kerala last year. Those who have visited Ernakulam and its neighbouring districts have been alerted to be wary of any such symptoms caused by the virus.&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

An eight-member team of scientists from the Institute of Advanced Virology, Kerala, and National Institute of Virology. Pune, arrived in North Paravur, Ernakulam, to collect samples from fruit-eating bats to find the source of Nipah virus.

An eight-member team of scientists from the Institute of Advanced Virology, Kerala, and National Institute of Virology. Pune, arrived in North Paravur, Ernakulam, to collect samples from fruit-eating bats to find the source of Nipah virus. Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare, Dr Harsh Vardhan had said on June 4 that the Centre has rushed a team of doctors to Kerala for investigation in the wake of the scare of Nipah virus. There has been widespread panic caused by the emergence of cases testing positive for the viral infection. Nipah virus is a zoonotic virus but it can also be transmitted from person to person and through contaminated food. World Health Organisation says that Nipah Virus is caused by fruit bats and is potentially fatal to humans as well as animals. Along with respiratory illness, it is also known to cause fever, muscular pain, headache, fever, dizziness, and nausea. The virus caused 17 deaths in Kerala last year. Those who have visited Ernakulam and its neighbouring districts have been alerted to be wary of any such symptoms caused by the virus.

Scientists arrive in Kerala to find source of Nipah Virus outbreak

Watch 'India Watch.' This is the show that brings you the latest on the world's biggest democratic nation's exercise, Verified updates & Unbiased analysis.

Watch: India Watch, 13th June 2019

The National Investigation Agency Thursday continued raids here for a second day in connection with the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/nia-arrests-mastermind-of-isis-tamil-nadu-module-after-searches-226661">ISIS Kerala-Tamil Nadu module case</a>.

After carrying out searches at seven locations in the city on Wednesday, the NIA had detained six people for questioning and arrested prime accused Mohammed Azarudeen, who was a Facebook friend of Sri Lankan Easter Day blasts mastermind Zahra Hashim.

Officials from the revenue and police departments are carrying out searches at the houses of three other people-Mohammed Hussain, Shahjahan and Hayatulla- from as early as 4.30 am Thursday, police sources said.

NIA had registered cases on May 30 against Azarudeen, Sheik Hidyathullah, Akram Sindhaa, Aboobacker M, Sadham Hussain and Ibrahim alias Shahin, all from Coimbatore, for their involvement in recruiting youth and planning terrorist attacks in south India, especially Tamil Nadu and Kerala.

The officials had seized a number of devices like mobile phones, laptops, pen drives and incriminating documents during the searches on Wednesday.

The intention of those detained was to recruit vulnerable youth into the ISIS or Daish for carrying out terrorist attacks in south India, especially in Kerala and Tamil Nadu, the NIA had said in a release last night.

Azarudeen was the leader of the module and has been maintaining a Facebook page 'KhilafahGFX', through which he had been propagating the ideology of ISIS, it said.

The NIA has alleged that Azarudeen has been a Facebook friend of suicide bomber Zahran Hashim and other members of the module have also been sharing radical contents attributed to Hashim, over the social media.

The officials are likely to take Azarudeen to Kochi in connection with the case and the other five have been asked to appear before a court in Kochi, the sources said.

The ISIS had claimed responsibility for the serial bombings in Sri Lanka on April 21 in which around nine suicide bombers were involved.&nbsp;

The National Investigation Agency Thursday continued raids here for a second day in connection with the ISIS Kerala-Tamil Nadu module case. After carrying out searches at seven locations in the city on Wednesday, the NIA had detained six people for questioning and arrested prime accused Mohammed Azarudeen, who was a Facebook friend of Sri Lankan Easter Day blasts mastermind Zahra Hashim.

The National Investigation Agency Thursday continued raids here for a second day in connection with the ISIS Kerala-Tamil Nadu module case. After carrying out searches at seven locations in the city on Wednesday, the NIA had detained six people for questioning and arrested prime accused Mohammed Azarudeen, who was a Facebook friend of Sri Lankan Easter Day blasts mastermind Zahra Hashim. Officials from the revenue and police departments are carrying out searches at the houses of three other people-Mohammed Hussain, Shahjahan and Hayatulla- from as early as 4.30 am Thursday, police sources said. NIA had registered cases on May 30 against Azarudeen, Sheik Hidyathullah, Akram Sindhaa, Aboobacker M, Sadham Hussain and Ibrahim alias Shahin, all from Coimbatore, for their involvement in recruiting youth and planning terrorist attacks in south India, especially Tamil Nadu and Kerala. The officials had seized a number of devices like mobile phones, laptops, pen drives and incriminating documents during the searches on Wednesday. The intention of those detained was to recruit vulnerable youth into the ISIS or Daish for carrying out terrorist attacks in south India, especially in Kerala and Tamil Nadu, the NIA had said in a release last night. Azarudeen was the leader of the module and has been maintaining a Facebook page 'KhilafahGFX', through which he had been propagating the ideology of ISIS, it said. The NIA has alleged that Azarudeen has been a Facebook friend of suicide bomber Zahran Hashim and other members of the module have also been sharing radical contents attributed to Hashim, over the social media. The officials are likely to take Azarudeen to Kochi in connection with the case and the other five have been asked to appear before a court in Kochi, the sources said. The ISIS had claimed responsibility for the serial bombings in Sri Lanka on April 21 in which around nine suicide bombers were involved.

NIA searches continue for second day in ISIS Kerala-Tamil Nadu module case

Watch: India Watch, 12th June 2019

There was no relief from the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/avoid-tea-coffee-and-alcohol-stay-indoors-government-issues-advisory-as-india-reels-under-heatwave-223958">heatwave conditions in north</a> and central regions of India even as monsoon advanced in the southern state of Kerala on Sunday.

The national capital reeled under scorching conditions as the maximum temperature settled at 43.8 degrees Celsius, four notches above the season's average. The IMD has forecast heatwave conditions for Monday as well in the city with clear skies.

The weatherman has warned that heatwave conditions will prevail in north and central India next week and predicted "severe heatwave" in Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan over the next two days.

On Sunday, Sri Ganganagar in western Rajasthan was the hottest place in the country at 48.5 degrees Celsius, while Churu and Kota districts of the state followed close behind, recording a maximum temperature of 48.3 degrees Celsius each.

Heatwave conditions continued in Punjab and Haryana as Narnaul (Haryana) settled at 47 degrees, four notches above normal limits, while Bhiwani and Hisar also sizzled at 45.9 degrees Celsius and 45.3 degrees Celsius, respectively.

Chandigarh, the joint capital of the two states, recorded a maximum temperature of 42.7 degrees Celsius.

In Punjab, Amritsar recorded a hot day at 44 degrees Celsius, four notches above normal. Ludhiana and Patiala also recorded four notches above the normal maximum temperature at 44 degrees Celsius and 44.4 degrees Celsius, respectively.

Dry weather conditions prevailed in Uttar Pradesh with state capital Lucknow recording a maximum temperature of 43.1 degrees Celsius, three degrees above normal.

Allahabad was the hottest city in the state, where the mercury settled at 47.7 degrees Celsius, seven notches above the normal. Kanpur recorded a high of 45.1 degrees Celsius, while in Varanasi it was 45 degrees Celsius.

Jammu reeled under heatwave conditions, recording a high of 43.1 degrees Celsius, while in the hill state of Himachal Pradesh heatwave conditions prevailed, despite rains in isolated parts in the Saturday evening.&nbsp;

Kalpa received 4 mm rain, followed by Dalhousie at 3 mm, Kufri at 1 mm and Bhuntar at 0.6 mm.&nbsp;

Una continued to be the hottest place in the state with a maximum temperature of 43.2 degrees Celsius.

Meanwhile, in the southern state of Kerala, there was moderate rainfall in several parts of the state on Sunday, a day after monsoon arrived, even as a low-pressure area formed over the Arabian Sea.

The Meteorological Department said the low pressure was expected to intensify into a depression in the next two days and subsequently, into a cyclone.

The weather report also predicted heavy to very heavy rainfall (115.6-204.4 mm) in isolated places of northern Malappuram and Kozhikode on June 12.

After a delay of a week, the monsoon hit the Kerala coast on Saturday, marking the official commencement of the four-month rainfall season in the country. This has also delayed its arrival in different parts of the country.

A delay in the arrival of monsoon has pushed the country's rainfall deficiency in the first nine days of June to 45 per cent, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said.

There was no relief from the heatwave conditions in north and central regions of India even as monsoon advanced in the southern state of Kerala on Sunday. The national capital reeled under scorching conditions as the maximum temperature settled at 43.

There was no relief from the heatwave conditions in north and central regions of India even as monsoon advanced in the southern state of Kerala on Sunday. The national capital reeled under scorching conditions as the maximum temperature settled at 43.8 degrees Celsius, four notches above the season's average. The IMD has forecast heatwave conditions for Monday as well in the city with clear skies. The weatherman has warned that heatwave conditions will prevail in north and central India next week and predicted "severe heatwave" in Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan over the next two days. On Sunday, Sri Ganganagar in western Rajasthan was the hottest place in the country at 48.5 degrees Celsius, while Churu and Kota districts of the state followed close behind, recording a maximum temperature of 48.3 degrees Celsius each. Heatwave conditions continued in Punjab and Haryana as Narnaul (Haryana) settled at 47 degrees, four notches above normal limits, while Bhiwani and Hisar also sizzled at 45.9 degrees Celsius and 45.3 degrees Celsius, respectively. Chandigarh, the joint capital of the two states, recorded a maximum temperature of 42.7 degrees Celsius. In Punjab, Amritsar recorded a hot day at 44 degrees Celsius, four notches above normal. Ludhiana and Patiala also recorded four notches above the normal maximum temperature at 44 degrees Celsius and 44.4 degrees Celsius, respectively. Dry weather conditions prevailed in Uttar Pradesh with state capital Lucknow recording a maximum temperature of 43.1 degrees Celsius, three degrees above normal. Allahabad was the hottest city in the state, where the mercury settled at 47.7 degrees Celsius, seven notches above the normal. Kanpur recorded a high of 45.1 degrees Celsius, while in Varanasi it was 45 degrees Celsius. Jammu reeled under heatwave conditions, recording a high of 43.1 degrees Celsius, while in the hill state of Himachal Pradesh heatwave conditions prevailed, despite rains in isolated parts in the Saturday evening. Kalpa received 4 mm rain, followed by Dalhousie at 3 mm, Kufri at 1 mm and Bhuntar at 0.6 mm. Una continued to be the hottest place in the state with a maximum temperature of 43.2 degrees Celsius. Meanwhile, in the southern state of Kerala, there was moderate rainfall in several parts of the state on Sunday, a day after monsoon arrived, even as a low-pressure area formed over the Arabian Sea. The Meteorological Department said the low pressure was expected to intensify into a depression in the next two days and subsequently, into a cyclone. The weather report also predicted heavy to very heavy rainfall (115.6-204.4 mm) in isolated places of northern Malappuram and Kozhikode on June 12. After a delay of a week, the monsoon hit the Kerala coast on Saturday, marking the official commencement of the four-month rainfall season in the country. This has also delayed its arrival in different parts of the country. A delay in the arrival of monsoon has pushed the country's rainfall deficiency in the first nine days of June to 45 per cent, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said.

North, central India reel under heatwave, monsoon advances in Kerala

&nbsp;It was a special moment for 72-year-old Rajamma Vavathil, a retired nurse when Congress president <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/rahul-gandhi-to-visit-his-parliamentary-constituency-wayanad-today-225162">Rahul Gandhi</a> hugged and held her hand here on Sunday, 49 years after she took him in her hands like a newborn at a Delhi hospital.

Vavathil could not contain her happiness and excitement at meeting Gandhi, whose birth she had witnessed, as a grown-up man and the Member of Parliament from her Wayanad constituency in Kerala.

The Gandhi scion hugged her and held her hand when Vavathil and her family came to meet him at a guest house here in the morning.

Amidst his busy schedule, Gandhi, on a Thanksgiving visit to Wayanad, which has sent him to Parliament this time with a massive victory margin of 4.31 lakh votes, spent some time with Vavathil's family.

Besides, the Congress chief obliged some party workers and their kin by posing for photographs with them.

As a trainee nurse, Vavathil had taken care of Gandhi at Delhi's Holy Family Hospital after his birth on June 19, 1970.

The Congress chief also greeted Vavathil's family members, including her husband and grandchildren, who waited for hours to meet him.

When Vavathil recalled her memories of witnessing his birth and taking him in her hands like a newborn, Gandhi listened to her attentively with a smile on his face.

Before leaving, Vavathil gifted home-made jackfruit chips and sweets to the Congress chief, who, in turn, promised to meet her again.

An excited Vavathil later said she was really happy to meet Gandhi after all these years.

"I am really happy and excited. I was the first among the few who took Rahul as a newborn in their hands. All those memories gushed through my mind when I met him again," she told reporters.

"I felt, I should give him some gift. That is why I gave him sweets and chips made by myself," the retired nurse said.

When the controversy over Gandhi's citizenship came up during the Lok Sabha election campaign, Vavathil had said she was one of those who were on duty at the Holy Family Hospital on June 19, 1970, when the Congress chief was born.

She had also said she was among the first few to take newborn Rahul in her hands.

"I was lucky as I was the first among the few who took the newborn in their hands. He was so cute. I was witness to his birth. I was thrilled...We all were thrilled to see the grandson of (then) prime minister Indira Gandhi," Vavathil had said.

Rahul Gandhi's father Rajiv Gandhi and uncle Sanjay Gandhi were waiting outside the labour room of the hospital when his mother Sonia Gandhi was taken for delivery, she had recounted.

Vavathil, who completed her nursing course from the Holy Family Hospital, later joined the military as a nurse.

After taking voluntary retirement from service, she returned to Kerala in 1987 and is now settled in Kalloor, near Sulthan Bathery in Wayanad.&nbsp;

It was a special moment for 72-year-old Rajamma Vavathil, a retired nurse when Congress president Rahul Gandhi hugged and held her hand here on Sunday, 49 years after she took him in her hands like a newborn at a Delhi hospital.

It was a special moment for 72-year-old Rajamma Vavathil, a retired nurse when Congress president Rahul Gandhi hugged and held her hand here on Sunday, 49 years after she took him in her hands like a newborn at a Delhi hospital. Vavathil could not contain her happiness and excitement at meeting Gandhi, whose birth she had witnessed, as a grown-up man and the Member of Parliament from her Wayanad constituency in Kerala. The Gandhi scion hugged her and held her hand when Vavathil and her family came to meet him at a guest house here in the morning. Amidst his busy schedule, Gandhi, on a Thanksgiving visit to Wayanad, which has sent him to Parliament this time with a massive victory margin of 4.31 lakh votes, spent some time with Vavathil's family. Besides, the Congress chief obliged some party workers and their kin by posing for photographs with them. As a trainee nurse, Vavathil had taken care of Gandhi at Delhi's Holy Family Hospital after his birth on June 19, 1970. The Congress chief also greeted Vavathil's family members, including her husband and grandchildren, who waited for hours to meet him. When Vavathil recalled her memories of witnessing his birth and taking him in her hands like a newborn, Gandhi listened to her attentively with a smile on his face. Before leaving, Vavathil gifted home-made jackfruit chips and sweets to the Congress chief, who, in turn, promised to meet her again. An excited Vavathil later said she was really happy to meet Gandhi after all these years. "I am really happy and excited. I was the first among the few who took Rahul as a newborn in their hands. All those memories gushed through my mind when I met him again," she told reporters. "I felt, I should give him some gift. That is why I gave him sweets and chips made by myself," the retired nurse said. When the controversy over Gandhi's citizenship came up during the Lok Sabha election campaign, Vavathil had said she was one of those who were on duty at the Holy Family Hospital on June 19, 1970, when the Congress chief was born. She had also said she was among the first few to take newborn Rahul in her hands. "I was lucky as I was the first among the few who took the newborn in their hands. He was so cute. I was witness to his birth. I was thrilled...We all were thrilled to see the grandson of (then) prime minister Indira Gandhi," Vavathil had said. Rahul Gandhi's father Rajiv Gandhi and uncle Sanjay Gandhi were waiting outside the labour room of the hospital when his mother Sonia Gandhi was taken for delivery, she had recounted. Vavathil, who completed her nursing course from the Holy Family Hospital, later joined the military as a nurse. After taking voluntary retirement from service, she returned to Kerala in 1987 and is now settled in Kalloor, near Sulthan Bathery in Wayanad.

Rahul Gandhi meets Kerala nurse who held him in her hands as a baby

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