[1]Heavy rains triggered by the cyclone 'Thane' lashed South Kerala since last night claiming at least three lives and leaving a trail of destruction in the state capital and adjoining districts.
The Indian Meteorological Department office said "the downpour was a consequence of the impact of cyclone 'Thane' that hit the Tamil Nadu coast on friday.
Though there has been a let up since 10 AM on saturday, normal life continues to hit in low lying areas in the capital city where the sudden downpour brought misery and destruction.
A 75 year old woman and her three year old grand daughter were electrocuted as a live wire broke off and fell into the gushing rain waters at Manambur.
Another woman died as the mudwall of her hut collapsed in rains at Vilappil. Her husband is undergoing treatment in hospital.
Several trains between Kollam and Thiruvananthapuram were delayed on saturday morning due to flooding of tracks affecting the signal system.
Hundreds of Sabarimala pilgrims were caught unwares by the heavy downpour but the situation became normal by saturday morning.
The government reviewed the situation and announced Rs 10,000 as emergency relief for families of those killed and Rs one lakh for fully damaged houses.
Very heavy rainfall of 22 cm was recorded in Harippad in Alappuzha district, followed by Thiruvananthapuram city (18) in the 24 hours ended at 8.30 AM on saturday morning.
Heavy rainfall has also been recorded in many places in Kollam, Pathanamthitta and Alappuzha district.
Links:
[1] http://archive.asianage.com/thanejpgcropdisplayjpg-802