Kerala Rains LIVE updates: At least 80 killed; Kochi airport suspends operations until August 26

The situation in Kerala seems to be worsening by the hour as heavy rains continue to pound several parts of the state. Over 70 people have been killed in floods and landslides and authorities are racing against time to evacuate residents and carry out relief activities. 

Kerala, for the first time ever, opened 35 of its 39 dams and several districts of the state have also been put on red alert. 

LIVE UPDATES 

• The Met Department has forecast strong winds along south Kerala coast 
• Colleges under Calicut University will be reopened on August 29. 
• It was earlier said that the Kochi International Airport had suspended operations until August 18. However, it has now been extended until August 26.

• Scores of ITBP personnel have also been helping senior citizens in Kerala 

• Two children have been reported dead after a wall collapsed in Oorkadavu

• Rescue personnel have begun airlifting residents in many areas 

• As rains refuse to subside, 82 people are reportedly stranded inside a bus in Munnar

• Additional NDRF teams are being sent to Kerala to help with the rescue and relief operations.

• "Had a telephonic conversation with Kerala Chief Minister Shri Pinarayi Vijayan regarding the prevailing flood situation in the state. The Centre is rushing additional NDRF teams to Kerala. We are providing all possible assistance. I am in constant touch with Kerala CM," tweeted Home Minister Rajnath Singh

• The Indian Army has tirelessly been carrying out rescue and relief operations in Kerala

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi has assured all help to Kerala and also spoke to chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan
• "Spoke to Kerala CM Shri Pinarayi Vijayan again this morning. We discussed the flood situation in the state. Have asked Defence Ministry to further step up the rescue and relief operations across the state. Praying for the safety and well-being of the people of Kerala," Modi tweeted.
• Several parts of Ernakulam and Kozhikode are said to be in the dark as the rains have brought down several electric poles in the area.
• Over 30,000 residents of Ernakulam have been moved to relief camps, after discharge from the Idukki reservoir was raised.
• The Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation has stopped bus services to Kochi

• On Wednesday, August 15, it had deployed 21 rescue and diving teams with inflatable 'Gemini' boats. "A total of four teams went out to augment those already deployed. More than 81 people were rescued, many of whom were also provided food and shelter by setting up a rescue camp," the Southern Naval Command said in a press release.

• The Southern Naval Command has also suspended its training activities and will instead help the state with relief activities

• Schools and colleges have been shut down due to incessant rain. University exams have also been postponed.  
• As tracks remained submerged in water, the Indian railways, as well as, the Kochi metro have suspended operations
• Several flights have been diverted to Trivandrum and Calicut

• The terminal and the runway are said to be inundated, due to which flights haven't been able to take off or land.

• The Kochi International Airport has suspended operations until Saturday, August 18.