New Delhi ; Heavy rains lashed South Kerala and its many areas are now under flood threat as the South West monsoon intensified in the Kerala. Kollam District Collector has declared a holiday today for all educational institutions except professional colleges in the district following the rains.

Wide-spread loss of property has been reported in several regions of southern part of the State.

The Met office has informed that heavy rains will continue to lash the State till Sunday. There are chances of winds with a speed reaching up to 60 kms occurring in the State. With the increase in the wind speed, the Monsoon too will gather strength, the weatherman said.