Daily US Times: At least 26 people, including 5 children, have been died in floods in southern Indian state of Kerala after heavy rains caused rivers to overflow, cutting off towns and villages.

There are concerns the death toll could rise further as many people are missing.

Several houses were washed away by the floods in the state and people became trapped in the district of Kottayam.

Footage from the area showed bus passengers being rescued after their bus was inundated with floodwater.

Idukki and Kottayam are two of the worst affected districts in the state. Days of heavy rainfall has also caused deadly landslides, while swollen rivers have washed away bridges connecting many small villages.

Officials said, military helicopters are being used to fly in personnel and supplies to areas where people are trapped.

Nearly two hundred relief camps have been set up and thousands of people have been evacuated across the state, where over 8,000 people are being provided food, clothing and bedding.

The government has also announced financial support for those who have lost crops and houses.

The government has decided to leave the decision of whether various dams in Kerala should be opened to an expert committee.

In 2018, some 400 people killed when heavy rains flooded the state. There was controversy over the fact that dams were opened without giving any warning to people living in low-lying areas.

Pinarayi Vijayan, Kerala’s chief minister, said that the committee will decide which dams need to be opened.

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