At least fifteen persons have lost their lives in rain related incidents in Idukki district of Kerala on Monday while landslides have also been reported from several places in the district.

Widespread rains have been lashing the State since yesterday.

Ernakulam, Kottayam and Pathananthitta districts also have been badly affected by incessant rains.

Several rivers in the State, including Periyar and its tributaries are in spate and several places have been inundated.

Flight operations in Kochi International Airport have been badly affected due to water logging on the runway.

A number of flights were diverted to other airports.

The flight operations have been suspended till 3 pm tomorrow