NEW DELHI, Aug. 1 (Xinhua) -- At least six persons were killed and six others reported missing in rain-related incidents in various parts of India's southern state of Kerala, local media reports said Saturday.
The heavy rains that started on Friday night triggered landslides at several places in Idukki and Kottayam districts, while many areas were flooded.
"Six people were killed, and six reported missing across Kerala due to heavy rains as of 6:00 p.m.," local newspaper The Hindu quoted a government official as saying.
According to the newspaper, authorities have set up over 65 camps across the affected districts where 1,465 people are taking shelter.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has upgraded the rain alert for Kerala, issuing a red alert for nine districts and warning of extremely heavy rainfall over the next 24 hours.
Based on color-coded warnings, a red alert signifies taking immediate action. ■