NEW DELHI, Sept. 18 (Xinhua) -- Heavy rain continued to lash different parts of the southern Indian state of Kerala Monday, triggering flash floods and landslides, officials said.
Three persons including a nine-year-old girl have reportedly died in rain-related incidents in the state.
According to officials, the state is experiencing record rainfall, the highest in the past five years.
"Heavy rains particularly in central and northern part of the state are going on since last evening," a local government official said. "More downpour is predicted for the coming two days."
In the wake of the rains, authorities have issued high alert in coastal and high range areas of the state.
The local government has ordered closure of educational institutions across the state. Rail and road traffic has also got affected in many areas.
The rains have pushed up the water level in rivers and inundated low lying areas.
"There are reports of large-scale destruction of agriculture and property across the state, but we will make an actual assessment only after weather condition improves."
Officials said water level of major dams of the state has risen considerably and accordingly gates of five dams in various parts have been opened.
Last month, Mumbai city experienced the heaviest rainfall in the past 15 years, triggering flood-like situation and water logging.
