Around 20 people die in floods in Indian state of Kerala

NEW DELHI–Around 20 people died and over 22,000 were evacuated in floods over the last 24 hours in India's southern state of Kerala, media reported on Friday. Most parts of the state were witnessing a heavy rainfall.

A warning has been issued in Idukki, Malappuram, Wayanad and Kozhikode districts following heavy spells of rain and landslides. Wayanad is one of the worst-hit districts.

Chief Minister of Kerala, Pinarayi Vijayan tweeted on Friday, "Conducted a Review Meeting of the disaster management activities of #KeralaFloods." In another tweet, he said, "315 flood relief camps have been opened across the State.

These camps now host 22165 persons from 5936 families. Wayanad has the most number of camps-105." According to the reports, water levels in most of the rivers and dams across the state have risen, flooding nearby areas.

Relief operations by the Defence, State and National disaster forces are going on in full swing. The flight operations at Kochi airport have been suspended till Sunday. The Meteorological department has predicted more rains over the next few days in the State.