Monsoon hits Kerala, heavy rains claim one life

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Monsoon today hit Kerala with heavy rains claiming the life of a 36-year-old man following a landslip in Idukki district. South-west monsoon has set in over Kerala and Lakshadweep, said K Santosh, head of India Meteorological Department's regional centre here. Several parts of the state has been receiving heavy rains since last night. The IMD had earlier said that monsoon was likely to hit Kerala on June 9. Jobi John, former SFI Idukki district president, died and his mother was seriously injured when mounds of earth and rocks fell on their home following heavy rains at Vazhavara early today, police said. However, his father escaped unhurt and informed neighbours who engaged in rescue operation. The mother's condition is stated to be serious and she has been taken to a hospital in Kochi for expert treatment. Thiruvananthapuram district authorities are taking precautionary steps like restricting flow of tourists to hill stations like Ponmudi in view of heavy rains. People are also being advised to avoid travelling during night on hilly roads.