Summer rains pound Kerala, alert in Thiruvananthapuram

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Three people were killed and flash floods ensued in the capital as heavy and consistent showers, punctuated by dangerous lightning and thunder, pounded the state on Tuesday. All the deaths were in Thiruvananthapuram district, where the intensity of the rain was the highest.

Poovar natives Freddy (55) and Michael (56), both of them fishermen, were struck down by lightning. While Jagath Purushothaman, 56, died of suspected electrocution.

Though deaths were not reported from other parts of the state, normal life was generally thrown out of gear. With heavy flooding inside the Central Railway Station here, train timings went awry.

According to an official of the Meteorological Department, the Cochin International Airport recorded 17.6 mm rains till 8.30 PM on Tuesday. The schedule of flights, however, was not hit by the rains.

Met Department director K Santhosh said that the intense rains were caused by upper air cyclonic circulation over Lakshadweep area.

He said that the winds were proceeding towards the southern parts of the state signifying more intense rains in the southern parts for at least two more days.

There are also indications of strong winds in the south-easterly direction that could neutralise the cyclone.