Heavy summer rain puts capital on alert

Three killed in lightning, several areas inundated,

The capital district has been put on high alert after rain continued to lash several areas from Tuesday afternoon, inundating low-lying areas and disrupting vehicular traffic in many parts of the city. The district administration has issued a special alert notice to those residing in low-lying areas.

Three people died in lightning strikes in parts of the city. Most of the low-lying areas of the city, including Chenkalchoola, Edappazhinji, East Fort, Pettah and Karikkakom, were flooded. The records room at the Secretariat was also flooded. Floods returned to Thampanoor, where money has been spent already on flood-prevention projects.

Drainage lines in the area overflowed and the railway track at the Thiruvananthapuram Central railway station were inundated.

Trains running late

Several trains were running late following the flooding.

Guruvayur Intercity Express that was scheduled to depart at 5.50 p.m. ran 40 minutes late and Malabar Express to Mangalore, that was to depart at 6.30 p.m. left at 7.30 p.m. Rajdhani Express and Maveli Express were delayed by 45 minutes. Netravati, Sabari and Kurla Expresses arrived late.

Due to landslide threat at places like Iriniyal and Kuzhithurai, trains on these routes have been asked to run on reduced speeds.