Torrential rains have battered India's Northeastern state of Assam leaving nine people dead and displacing almost half a million people. Incessant rainfall wreaking havoc in the state leaving houses inundated and roads completely submerged in the water forcing the people to rely on boats for being ferried from one place to another

Torrential rains ravage 1400 villages of India's Assam state

At least 23 people have lost their lives due to heavy floods and landslides triggered by torrential rainfall in Brazil. Hundreds of cars and houses have been destroyed by the mudslides and several shops have been inundated by the rising water levels.

At least 23 dead as torrential rains wreak havoc in Brazil

Torrential rains have caused flooding and rains in the country's most populous state of Sao Paulo killing at least 19 people, 11 of the victims died on Sunday after landslides buried several homes and cities in the interior of the state.

Brazil: Heavy rains kill 19 in Sao Paulo, governor announces emergency aid

An elderly woman could be seen running from one person to another screaming through the rain swept roads in this high range hamlet, located at the foothills of Western Ghats mountain ranges, on Sunday morning.

"I have lost everything...Everything in my life...Where should I go?&nbsp;&nbsp;Who will give me a shelter?" the woman, clad in a tattered saree, asked aloud crying and running here and there.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/six-people-dead-a-dozen-reported-missing-as-rains-lash-kerala-421366">Six people dead, a dozen reported missing as rains lash Kerala</a>

The unexpected torrential rain, which pounded the village on Saturday, washed away every penny of her life time earnings and made her homeless all of a sudden.

"I begged our Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan sir to give me two cents of land to construct a 'koora' (hut). I have nowhere to go. My daughters' houses are also submerged. Now I am going to the church to see whether I will get a place there," she told the journalists gathered at the place.

It was the story of many hapless families in Koottickal, located in Kottayam district of Kerala which suffered severe destruction and human casualty due to a series of landslips triggered by heavy rains yesterday.

When the extreme rains showed a slight dip this morning, a large number of people in this village could be seen as displaced and became the inmates of rehabilitation campus.

Many elderly villagers said it was for the first time in their decades-old life that they were seeing and experiencing such severe rainfall.

A local shop owner here pointed to his new car, which can be seen as destroyed and partially hanging with its back wheels stuck on a broken wall in his house compound.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/kerala-rains-death-toll-reaches-9-421432">Kerala Rains: Death toll reaches 9</a>

"It was my new car parked in front of the house. I was not at home when the flood water suddenly gushed inside the house compound Saturday afternoon. My wife and children some how managed to run to the neighbour's house," the middle aged man said.

He turned a bit emotional showing the 'mundu' (dhoti) which he was wearing, saying that it was borrowed from the neighbour.

Only life was saved and everything else was lost, he said adding that not even in the 2018 floods had he faced such a terrible situation.

The situation was not different in Kokkayar, a hilly hamlet in Idukki district as well, which also witnessed a series of landslips and human casualty on Saturday in incessant rains.

A shocked Rajamma, a woman villager, was yet to believe that a four-member family including children, who was seen engaged in some construction activities near her home on the foothills of hill, swept away by flood waters in front of her eyes.

The elderly woman said she advised the family to move away from the place when water was seen coming down from the hill tops in a small scale.

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"But, they continued their work. Suddenly a portion of the hill, where they were standing, caved in.&nbsp;Huge boulders started rolling down accompanied by a massive flood of water.&nbsp;I do not remember anything else," the teary-eyed woman said.

George, a middle-aged man engaged in rescue operations, said it was everything fine and calm in the village till 11 PM on Saturday.

"But, the situation worsened after that. Around 10 big bridges and the same number of wooden bridges were washed away and the village became isolated soon," he added.

The Army, NDRF, police and the Fire Force along with the locals began rescue operations on Sunday morning at Koottickal and Kokkayar panchayats where over a dozen people are listed to be missing due to numerous landslides accompanied by heavy downpour since Saturday.

Officials said rescue operators on Sunday morning recovered four more bodies from Koottickal panchayat taking the toll to eight.

An elderly woman could be seen running from one person to another screaming through the rain swept roads in this high range hamlet, located at the foothills of Western Ghats mountain ranges, on Sunday morning.

An elderly woman could be seen running from one person to another screaming through the rain swept roads in this high range hamlet, located at the foothills of Western Ghats mountain ranges, on Sunday morning. "I have lost everything...Everything in my life...Where should I go? Who will give me a shelter?" the woman, clad in a tattered saree, asked aloud crying and running here and there. Also Read | Six people dead, a dozen reported missing as rains lash Kerala The unexpected torrential rain, which pounded the village on Saturday, washed away every penny of her life time earnings and made her homeless all of a sudden. "I begged our Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan sir to give me two cents of land to construct a 'koora' (hut). I have nowhere to go. My daughters' houses are also submerged. Now I am going to the church to see whether I will get a place there," she told the journalists gathered at the place. It was the story of many hapless families in Koottickal, located in Kottayam district of Kerala which suffered severe destruction and human casualty due to a series of landslips triggered by heavy rains yesterday. When the extreme rains showed a slight dip this morning, a large number of people in this village could be seen as displaced and became the inmates of rehabilitation campus. Many elderly villagers said it was for the first time in their decades-old life that they were seeing and experiencing such severe rainfall. A local shop owner here pointed to his new car, which can be seen as destroyed and partially hanging with its back wheels stuck on a broken wall in his house compound. Also Read | Kerala Rains: Death toll reaches 9 "It was my new car parked in front of the house. I was not at home when the flood water suddenly gushed inside the house compound Saturday afternoon. My wife and children some how managed to run to the neighbour's house," the middle aged man said. He turned a bit emotional showing the 'mundu' (dhoti) which he was wearing, saying that it was borrowed from the neighbour. Only life was saved and everything else was lost, he said adding that not even in the 2018 floods had he faced such a terrible situation. The situation was not different in Kokkayar, a hilly hamlet in Idukki district as well, which also witnessed a series of landslips and human casualty on Saturday in incessant rains. A shocked Rajamma, a woman villager, was yet to believe that a four-member family including children, who was seen engaged in some construction activities near her home on the foothills of hill, swept away by flood waters in front of her eyes. The elderly woman said she advised the family to move away from the place when water was seen coming down from the hill tops in a small scale. Also Read | J&K: 13 terrorists killed in 9 encounters after civilian killings "But, they continued their work. Suddenly a portion of the hill, where they were standing, caved in. Huge boulders started rolling down accompanied by a massive flood of water. I do not remember anything else," the teary-eyed woman said. George, a middle-aged man engaged in rescue operations, said it was everything fine and calm in the village till 11 PM on Saturday. "But, the situation worsened after that. Around 10 big bridges and the same number of wooden bridges were washed away and the village became isolated soon," he added. The Army, NDRF, police and the Fire Force along with the locals began rescue operations on Sunday morning at Koottickal and Kokkayar panchayats where over a dozen people are listed to be missing due to numerous landslides accompanied by heavy downpour since Saturday. Officials said rescue operators on Sunday morning recovered four more bodies from Koottickal panchayat taking the toll to eight.

A day after torrential rains, heart-wrenching scenes in Kerala's high ranges

Hurricane Olaf has slammed into the Los Cabos resorts at the tip of Mexico’s Baja California Peninsula and it's drenching the region with torrential rains. WION brings you a report.

Hurricane Olaf hits Mexico’s Los Cabos resorts at Category 2

Chinese regions as far apart as Sichuan in the southwest and Gansu in the northwest are at heightened risk of natural disasters in the coming days amid another round of torrential rain, the country's weather bureau said on Thursday.

Parts of the eastern coast, including the Bohai Bay region, Shandong and the province of Jiangsu also face hurricane-force winds, the China Meteorological Administration said.

The port cities of Qingdao and Rizhao on the eastern coast were the latest to see record-breaking daily rainfall on Wednesday, and the provinces of Jiangxi and Anhui on the Yangtze river issued new red alerts early on Thursday.

The Ministry of Water Resources said 93 rivers remained above warning levels, adding that the Three Gorges reservoir, China's biggest, will need to be closely monitored as incoming floodwaters surge.

"The current flood control situation remains severe and cannot be relaxed in any way," it said.

Regions throughout China have been ordering emergency evacuations as a result of landslides, burst riverbanks and mountain floods.

China has vowed to take a scientific approach to controlling floods and has made use of early warning systems as well as its dams and reservoirs to try to minimise the damage.

More than 45 million people have been affected since flood season began in June, with 142 people dead or missing, but the figure is lower than usual, state news agency Xinhua said on Wednesday. Direct economic damage, at just over 160 billion yuan ($22.84 billion), was also lower than the five-year average.

However, experts say the heaviest rainfall in decades has exposed the country's overreliance on giant feats of engineering like the Three Gorges Dam, to regulate and utilise its water supplies.

Chinese regions as far apart as Sichuan in the southwest and Gansu in the northwest are at heightened risk of natural disasters in the coming days amid another round of torrential rain, the country's weather bureau said on Thursday.

Chinese regions as far apart as Sichuan in the southwest and Gansu in the northwest are at heightened risk of natural disasters in the coming days amid another round of torrential rain, the country's weather bureau said on Thursday. Parts of the eastern coast, including the Bohai Bay region, Shandong and the province of Jiangsu also face hurricane-force winds, the China Meteorological Administration said. The port cities of Qingdao and Rizhao on the eastern coast were the latest to see record-breaking daily rainfall on Wednesday, and the provinces of Jiangxi and Anhui on the Yangtze river issued new red alerts early on Thursday. The Ministry of Water Resources said 93 rivers remained above warning levels, adding that the Three Gorges reservoir, China's biggest, will need to be closely monitored as incoming floodwaters surge. "The current flood control situation remains severe and cannot be relaxed in any way," it said. Regions throughout China have been ordering emergency evacuations as a result of landslides, burst riverbanks and mountain floods. China has vowed to take a scientific approach to controlling floods and has made use of early warning systems as well as its dams and reservoirs to try to minimise the damage. More than 45 million people have been affected since flood season began in June, with 142 people dead or missing, but the figure is lower than usual, state news agency Xinhua said on Wednesday. Direct economic damage, at just over 160 billion yuan ($22.84 billion), was also lower than the five-year average. However, experts say the heaviest rainfall in decades has exposed the country's overreliance on giant feats of engineering like the Three Gorges Dam, to regulate and utilise its water supplies.

China says more disasters expected as torrential rains continue

Brazil cities gets hit by torrential rain taking death toll to 21

Severe bushfires burned through parts of Western Australia on Sunday, with other areas of the state dealing with the aftermath of a powerful cyclone, while the country's east coast was facing potential life-threatening flash flooding.

Severe bushfires burned through parts of Western Australia on Sunday, with other areas of the state dealing with the aftermath of a powerful cyclone, while the country's east coast was facing potential life-threatening flash flooding. After months of destructive wildfires that have razed millions of hectares of land, Australia has been hit in recent weeks by wild weather that has alternately brought heavy downpours, hail storms, gusty winds and hot and dry air. About a dozen fires were burning in Western Australia (WA) on Sunday, with severe fire danger expected in several districts, according to fire services and the state's Bureau of Meteorology. Daytime temperatures in some of the districts were forecast at up to 42 degrees Celsius (108 degrees Fahrenheit). The state's upper parts were battling on Sunday the aftermath of a tropical cyclone Damien that made landfall on Saturday afternoon, bringing gusty winds of up to 200 km per hour (124 miles per hour). No immediate damages were reported and the cyclone was expected to weaken as it moved inland, but winds were seen to blow at more than 100 kph. "Although Tropical #CycloneDamien has weakened significantly from the thrashing it gave Karratha and Dampier yesterday, areas around Tom Price and Paraburdoo are receiving significant rainfall and squally conditions," the state's Bureau of Meteorology said on its Twitter account. On the opposite coast of Australia, Sydney and the state of New South Wales were in danger of potential life-threatening flash flooding as rain kept bucketing down for a third day in a row in downpours not seen since 1998. Rainfall in some parts of the state approached half the annual average, but the falls were welcomed after the state saw its driest year on record in 2019, at 55% below average. The state's Bureau of Meteorology said there was potential for heavy "rainfall and life-threatening flash-flooding," and coast erosion, although little danger of river flooding as water levels have been low due to a persistent drought. In Queensland, meteorologists also warned of flash and riverine flooding on Sunday, following heavy falls overnight. An emergency flood alert was issued for residents of Dalby due to a creek overflowing, some 200 km (124 miles) west of Brisbane.

Bushfires, cyclone, torrential rain hit Australia's coasts

Torrential rains battered many areas in Guilin City, in south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, on Saturday with many urban areas severely waterlogged.

Torrential rains inundate south China city

At least five fires have southern Greece alight on Wednesday afternoon due to high temperatures and gale force winds, while at the same time a strong storm hit northern Greece leaving seven people dead, dozens injured and a fisherman missing, as well as losses or damages to properties.

On Wednesday afternoon, at least five fires triggered either by high temperatures or gale force winds swept across the Peloponnese Peninsula, Attica Peninsula, Lamia Bay, and Evia Peninsula.

The disasters were finally controlled before night fell due to the joint efforts of firefighters on the ground and planes in the air.

However, in northern Greece, another extreme weather phenomenon took the baton and threatened people in the north.

The extreme weather caused seven people, six of whom confirmed as tourists from Russia, Czech, and Romania on vacation in the country, dead and the unidentified victim is said likely to be a local fisherman. The storm darkened the doorstep of the Chalkidiki Peninsula in northern Greece, and the country's second largest city Thessaloniki.

"The grill and the iron plate for the barbecue were blown off there. The pavilion there also fell down. The cars were crushed," said Despoina, a resident in Chalkidiki.

The damages brought by the first freak storm in 30 years was huge, though it only lasted half an hour.

"We have been living here for 25 years, but we have never seen this," said Despoina.

The power supply in the northern coastal areas and trains running between Thesalloniki and Alexandroupoli, another coastal city in the north, were cut off.

The 22 injured people have been sent to a local hospital, with nine of them suffering fractures to varying degrees.

At least five fires have southern Greece alight on Wednesday afternoon due to high temperatures and gale force winds, while at the same time a strong storm hit northern Greece leaving seven people dead, dozens injured and a fisherman missing, as well as losses or damages to properties.

At least five fires have southern Greece alight on Wednesday afternoon due to high temperatures and gale force winds, while at the same time a strong storm hit northern Greece leaving seven people dead, dozens injured and a fisherman missing, as well as losses or damages to properties. On Wednesday afternoon, at least five fires triggered either by high temperatures or gale force winds swept across the Peloponnese Peninsula, Attica Peninsula, Lamia Bay, and Evia Peninsula. The disasters were finally controlled before night fell due to the joint efforts of firefighters on the ground and planes in the air. However, in northern Greece, another extreme weather phenomenon took the baton and threatened people in the north. The extreme weather caused seven people, six of whom confirmed as tourists from Russia, Czech, and Romania on vacation in the country, dead and the unidentified victim is said likely to be a local fisherman. The storm darkened the doorstep of the Chalkidiki Peninsula in northern Greece, and the country's second largest city Thessaloniki. "The grill and the iron plate for the barbecue were blown off there. The pavilion there also fell down. The cars were crushed," said Despoina, a resident in Chalkidiki. The damages brought by the first freak storm in 30 years was huge, though it only lasted half an hour. "We have been living here for 25 years, but we have never seen this," said Despoina. The power supply in the northern coastal areas and trains running between Thesalloniki and Alexandroupoli, another coastal city in the north, were cut off. The 22 injured people have been sent to a local hospital, with nine of them suffering fractures to varying degrees.

Fire, torrential rain batter Greece, leave 7 dead

Rescuers were busy evacuating people stranded or trapped by floods on Tuesday, as torrential rains battered many parts of China.

In Guilin City of south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, shipping service to and from Maozhou Island was suspended due to a severe flood, making the island isolated from the outside world. Some people were stranded on the island.

The local maritime authorities dispatched 10 rescuers and three boats immediately to rescue the stranded people.

Finally, all six people were evacuated to safety.

In Liling City of central China's Hunan Province, a rain-triggered flood stranded some residents. In response, the local fire department sent a helicopter to evacuate the 12 stranded people.

In Dunhuang City of northwest China's Gansu Province, a tourist bus was trapped in floods at around 19:00. A total of 15 people were on the bus, including nine adults and six children.

The local fire department dispatched four vehicles and 17 people to rescue those people and successfully evacuated them to safety at around 20:00.

In Shaowu County of Nanping City in south China's Fujian Province, the water level of the Futun Stream has risen to the warning stage. The local government responded by dispatching staff members to urge the residents to evacuate.

Eventually, more than 1,000 residents were evacuated to safety.

Rescuers were busy evacuating people stranded or trapped by floods on Tuesday, as torrential rains battered many parts of China. In Guilin City of south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, shipping service to and from Maozhou Island was suspended due to a severe flood, making the island isolated from the outside world.

Rescuers were busy evacuating people stranded or trapped by floods on Tuesday, as torrential rains battered many parts of China. In Guilin City of south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, shipping service to and from Maozhou Island was suspended due to a severe flood, making the island isolated from the outside world. Some people were stranded on the island. The local maritime authorities dispatched 10 rescuers and three boats immediately to rescue the stranded people. Finally, all six people were evacuated to safety. In Liling City of central China's Hunan Province, a rain-triggered flood stranded some residents. In response, the local fire department sent a helicopter to evacuate the 12 stranded people. In Dunhuang City of northwest China's Gansu Province, a tourist bus was trapped in floods at around 19:00. A total of 15 people were on the bus, including nine adults and six children. The local fire department dispatched four vehicles and 17 people to rescue those people and successfully evacuated them to safety at around 20:00. In Shaowu County of Nanping City in south China's Fujian Province, the water level of the Futun Stream has risen to the warning stage. The local government responded by dispatching staff members to urge the residents to evacuate. Eventually, more than 1,000 residents were evacuated to safety.

Stranded people evacuated from rain-triggered floods across China

Chinese firefighters successfully rescued and evacuated dozens of flood-trapped citizens after torrential rains hit many parts of the country early Sunday morning.

Firefighters evacuate residents from rain-triggered flooding in parts of China

Authorities in Louisiana and Mississippi rescued people from their homes after heavy rains this weekend caused major flooding in the region.

Heavy rains in southern US leave some trapped

Flash floods and landslides triggered by torrential rain in Indonesia's easternmost province of Papua have killed at least 58 people, injured dozens and displaced more than 4,000, authorities said on Sunday.

A search for more possible victims was underway in the town of Sentani, which was hit by flash floods late on Saturday. Fifty-one people were killed and 74 injured there, Sutopo Purwo Nugroho, spokesman of the national disaster agency, told a news briefing.

Heavy rain caused landslides in the nearby provincial capital of Jayapura, killing seven there, Nugroho said.

Soldiers pulled alive a 5-month old baby from under the rubble of his house and took him to the hospital, Papua military spokesman Muhammad Aidi said.

The number of victims "will probably increase because the evacuation process is still taking place and not all affected areas have been reached," Nugroho said.

About 4,150 people are sheltering in six evacuation centers, he said.

Hundreds of houses, three bridges and a Twin Otter airplane parked at the airport were damaged by the floods. The Sentani airport, the province's main transport hub, remained open.

The TV footage showed mud and large logs on Sentani's main roads after floodwaters receded.

Disaster authorities have warned local governments of flash flood risks due to deforestation in the mountains surrounding the town, Nugroho said, adding that in 2018 Jakarta sent seedlings intended for tree-planting.

'Forest destruction in the Cyclops mountains have increased for use as firewood and to turn the land into plantations,'&nbsp;Nugroho said.

'Since 2018 we have warned the Jayapura government to be careful of flash flood risks because of this deforestation,'&nbsp;he added.

Flash floods and landslides triggered by torrential rain in Indonesia's easternmost province of Papua have killed at least 58 people, injured dozens and displaced more than 4,000, authorities said on Sunday.

Flash floods and landslides triggered by torrential rain in Indonesia's easternmost province of Papua have killed at least 58 people, injured dozens and displaced more than 4,000, authorities said on Sunday. A search for more possible victims was underway in the town of Sentani, which was hit by flash floods late on Saturday. Fifty-one people were killed and 74 injured there, Sutopo Purwo Nugroho, spokesman of the national disaster agency, told a news briefing. Heavy rain caused landslides in the nearby provincial capital of Jayapura, killing seven there, Nugroho said. Soldiers pulled alive a 5-month old baby from under the rubble of his house and took him to the hospital, Papua military spokesman Muhammad Aidi said. The number of victims "will probably increase because the evacuation process is still taking place and not all affected areas have been reached," Nugroho said. About 4,150 people are sheltering in six evacuation centers, he said. Hundreds of houses, three bridges and a Twin Otter airplane parked at the airport were damaged by the floods. The Sentani airport, the province's main transport hub, remained open. The TV footage showed mud and large logs on Sentani's main roads after floodwaters receded. Disaster authorities have warned local governments of flash flood risks due to deforestation in the mountains surrounding the town, Nugroho said, adding that in 2018 Jakarta sent seedlings intended for tree-planting. 'Forest destruction in the Cyclops mountains have increased for use as firewood and to turn the land into plantations,' Nugroho said. 'Since 2018 we have warned the Jayapura government to be careful of flash flood risks because of this deforestation,' he added.

Flash floods kill at least 58 in Indonesia's Papua province

Torrential rains and windstorm killed at least 11 people and left 14 others injured today in Pakistan's northwestern tribal region, officials said.

As many as six persons were killed and 16 others injured when the roof of a religious seminary collapsed in the country's northwestern Bajaur agency.

Two persons were killed in Mamond area in rain-related incidents. In Khyber agency, two persons were killed. Several vehicles were swept away in flood.

Officials said that a total of 11 people have been killed and 14 others injured in rain-related incidents.

Authorities and security forces have launched relief and rescue operations.&nbsp

The authorities and security forces have launched relief and rescue operations

Torrential rains and windstorm killed at least 11 people and left 14 others injured today in Pakistan's northwestern tribal region, officials said. As many as six persons were killed and 16 others injured when the roof of a religious seminary collapsed in the country's northwestern Bajaur agency. Two persons were killed in Mamond area in rain-related incidents. In Khyber agency, two persons were killed. Several vehicles were swept away in flood. Officials said that a total of 11 people have been killed and 14 others injured in rain-related incidents. Authorities and security forces have launched relief and rescue operations.

Torrential rains kill 11 people in Pakistan

Torrential rains pounded southern districts of Tamil Nadu and neighbouring Kerala crippling life and claiming eight lives -- four each in the two states -- as a deep depression in the Bay of Bengal intensified into cyclonic storm &#39;Ockhi&#39; on Thursday.

Both the state governments put the official machinery on high alert as the cyclone, lying 60 kms south of Kanyakumari, was forecast to dump more rains in south Tamil Nadu and Kerala in the next 24 hours.

The storm was expected to move toward the Lakshadweep archipelago and hit the islands on December 2.

A bulletin issued by the India Meteorological Department said gale wind speed reaching 65-75 kmph gusting to 85 kmph was very likely along and off South Kerala during next 48 hours and along and off south Tamil Nadu during next 24 hours.

Fishermen in coastal regions in southern parts of the two states were advised not to venture into sea for the next 24 hours, it said.

Madhavan Rajeevan, Secretary in the Earth Sciences ministry, said in New Delhi that Lakshadweep in the southern part of the Arabian Sea will start experiencing heavy rainfall and strong winds from tomorrow. &quot;It will hit the islands on December 2,&quot; Rajeevan said.

Tamil Nadu government deployed state and national disaster response force teams in Kanyakumari district, which bore the brunt of the rain fury.

It asked officials to shelter people living in low lying areas in the southern districts in multi-purpose evacuation centres.

Chief Minister K Palaniswami, who reviewed the situation, said in Chennai state Ministers and senior IAS officials have been assigned to affected districts to monitor relief work.

Also, electricity personnel with necessary equipment have been rushed to restore power distribution that was affected due to trees falling over electric poles, Palaniswami said.

Minister for Revenue and Disaster Management R B Udhaya Kumar, deputed to Kanyakumari to take up relief work on a war footing, said people in the affected areas have been shifted to safer places.

He said nearly 3,000 electric poles have been uprooted in the district, affecting power supply.

Besides Kanyakumari, Tuticorin and Tirunelveli districts were among those battered by the rains.

Educational institutions remained closed in southern districts such as Tirunelveli, Tuticorin, Viruthunagar and Thanjavur.

Three men and a woman were killed when trees fell on them in different areas in Kanyakumari district, officials said.

In Kerala, the state government put the official machinery on a high alert and ordered the evacuation of people living within 100 metres from the coast and also sought help from the Navy, Coast Guard and the Air Force to assist people in distress.

Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan held discussions through video conferencing with the Collectors of Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Alapuzha, Pathnamthitta, Idukki and Ernakulam districts and gave them necessary directions to take steps by coordinating various government agencies.

The state reported four rain-related deaths, including an elderly couple who were electrocuted when they came into contact with a snapped live wire in front of their house at Kattakada near Thiruvananthapuram.

The rains accompanied by gusty winds left a trail of destruction in Kanyakumari district, in the southernmost tip of the country, uprooting more than 500 trees, State Disaster Management Agency said.

&quot;Do not come out of homes in Kanyakumari, Tuticorin, and Tirunelveli stay safe indoors and take precautions do not panic,&quot; it said in a tweet.

Southern Railway said it has partially cancelled some trains in Tirunelveli-Kanyakumari-Thiruvananthapuram sector.

Due to bad weather, a scheduled two-day programme of Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi, which was to begin tomorrow in Kerala, has been cancelled, party sources said. Thiruvananthapuram and its coastal stretch were witnessing heavy rains accompanied by strong winds since this morning. In several places, electric posts got uprooted.

Vizhinjam coastal police said they received information that at least 57 fishermen, who had put out to sea from Thumba to Pozhiyur since yesterday, were yet to return.

Twentynine traditional boats which had set out from Poonthura were also out in the sea, police said. &nbsp;

A Kochi report said Navy deployed four ships and two aircraft to assist in the search and rescue of fishermen onboard six boats and a marine Engineering vessel reported to be missing in the sea near Vizhinjam.

The Southern Naval Command was also gearing up for any humanitarian assistance and disaster relief that may be required in view of the cyclone in the southern parts of Kerala, a Defence release said.&nbsp;

The storm was expected to move toward the Lakshadweep archipelago and hit the islands on December 2

Torrential rains pounded southern districts of Tamil Nadu and neighbouring Kerala crippling life and claiming eight lives -- four each in the two states -- as a deep depression in the Bay of Bengal intensified into cyclonic storm 'Ockhi' on Thursday. Both the state governments put the official machinery on high alert as the cyclone, lying 60 kms south of Kanyakumari, was forecast to dump more rains in south Tamil Nadu and Kerala in the next 24 hours. The storm was expected to move toward the Lakshadweep archipelago and hit the islands on December 2. A bulletin issued by the India Meteorological Department said gale wind speed reaching 65-75 kmph gusting to 85 kmph was very likely along and off South Kerala during next 48 hours and along and off south Tamil Nadu during next 24 hours. Fishermen in coastal regions in southern parts of the two states were advised not to venture into sea for the next 24 hours, it said. Madhavan Rajeevan, Secretary in the Earth Sciences ministry, said in New Delhi that Lakshadweep in the southern part of the Arabian Sea will start experiencing heavy rainfall and strong winds from tomorrow. "It will hit the islands on December 2," Rajeevan said. Tamil Nadu government deployed state and national disaster response force teams in Kanyakumari district, which bore the brunt of the rain fury. It asked officials to shelter people living in low lying areas in the southern districts in multi-purpose evacuation centres. Chief Minister K Palaniswami, who reviewed the situation, said in Chennai state Ministers and senior IAS officials have been assigned to affected districts to monitor relief work. Also, electricity personnel with necessary equipment have been rushed to restore power distribution that was affected due to trees falling over electric poles, Palaniswami said. Minister for Revenue and Disaster Management R B Udhaya Kumar, deputed to Kanyakumari to take up relief work on a war footing, said people in the affected areas have been shifted to safer places. He said nearly 3,000 electric poles have been uprooted in the district, affecting power supply. Besides Kanyakumari, Tuticorin and Tirunelveli districts were among those battered by the rains. Educational institutions remained closed in southern districts such as Tirunelveli, Tuticorin, Viruthunagar and Thanjavur. Three men and a woman were killed when trees fell on them in different areas in Kanyakumari district, officials said. In Kerala, the state government put the official machinery on a high alert and ordered the evacuation of people living within 100 metres from the coast and also sought help from the Navy, Coast Guard and the Air Force to assist people in distress. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan held discussions through video conferencing with the Collectors of Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Alapuzha, Pathnamthitta, Idukki and Ernakulam districts and gave them necessary directions to take steps by coordinating various government agencies. The state reported four rain-related deaths, including an elderly couple who were electrocuted when they came into contact with a snapped live wire in front of their house at Kattakada near Thiruvananthapuram. The rains accompanied by gusty winds left a trail of destruction in Kanyakumari district, in the southernmost tip of the country, uprooting more than 500 trees, State Disaster Management Agency said. "Do not come out of homes in Kanyakumari, Tuticorin, and Tirunelveli stay safe indoors and take precautions do not panic," it said in a tweet. Southern Railway said it has partially cancelled some trains in Tirunelveli-Kanyakumari-Thiruvananthapuram sector. Due to bad weather, a scheduled two-day programme of Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi, which was to begin tomorrow in Kerala, has been cancelled, party sources said. Thiruvananthapuram and its coastal stretch were witnessing heavy rains accompanied by strong winds since this morning. In several places, electric posts got uprooted. Vizhinjam coastal police said they received information that at least 57 fishermen, who had put out to sea from Thumba to Pozhiyur since yesterday, were yet to return. Twentynine traditional boats which had set out from Poonthura were also out in the sea, police said. A Kochi report said Navy deployed four ships and two aircraft to assist in the search and rescue of fishermen onboard six boats and a marine Engineering vessel reported to be missing in the sea near Vizhinjam. The Southern Naval Command was also gearing up for any humanitarian assistance and disaster relief that may be required in view of the cyclone in the southern parts of Kerala, a Defence release said.

Cyclone Ockhi: Rain pounds Tamil Nadu, Kerala, 8 dead

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