Rain plays havoc in Kerala, two killed

A Saudi Airline flight from Jeddah to Kozhikode was diverted to Colombo following heavy rain, an official said.

Chief Minister Oommen Chandy said the rain has caused a huge damage. State Revenue Minister Adoor Prakash is stationed in Delhi to seek an urgent financial aid to the tune of Rs.90 crore from the central government, he added.

Railway tracks at the Ernakulam South Railway station were submerged and many trains are running behind the schedule, an official said.

Other districts also received heavy rain. Incidentally, the incessant rain also poured cold water on the Thrissur Pooram, Kerala's popular temple festival, in Thrissur district.

The organisers were forced to call off the sample fireworks display, which is a common fixture ahead of the major fireworks display (scheduled for early morning Saturday). Fireworks display is one the key events in the week-long festivities at the Thrissur Pooram.