NEW DELHI, Oct. 16 (Xinhua) -- At least 10 people were killed on Saturday after heavy rains triggered flooding and landslides in the southern Indian state of Kerala, local media reports said.
The landslides and flooding occurred in Idukki and Kottayam districts.
A local newspaper Hindustan Times said that 18 people were also feared missing after a landslide in Kottayam.
The meteorological department officials have predicted heavy to very heavy rain until Sunday, following which authorities issued a red alert in five districts of the state and an orange alert in seven others.
Reports said on the local government's request, the army, navy and air force have stepped in to help the civil administration handle the situation. Helicopters have also been kept on standby.
Heavy rains on Saturday lashed several parts of the state and the downpour inundated several areas and caused waterlogging of roads and streets.
The government has urged people to remain vigilant and strictly follow the instructions given by the government. Enditem
