Monsoon floods pound, wreak havoc across India

Incessant rains are causing floods and landslides in Kerala, Karnataka, Goa and Maharashtra.

As per media reports, Twenty three have been killed in Kerala, while 19 were killed in Karnataka as rains continue to batter southern states.

Over two lakh people have been rescued and evacuated to safer places in Maharashtra, according to official estimates. The state is now grappling with a severe flood situation following incessant rains.

A total of 2,03,168 people have been saved in the rescue operations till Thursday evening, Chief Minister's Office said.

There was no let-up from heavy rains in Kerala as four members of a family were killed at Edavanna in Malappuram district when their house collapsed, taking the rain-related death toll in the state to 12, while over 22,000 people have been moved to relief camps.

The Cochin International Airport, where flight operations was suspended till midnight Friday after floodwaters inundated the apron area (parking), will remain closed till 3 PM on Sunday.

Meanwhile in Goa, some 150 families have been evacuated in four tehsils of Goa following heavy rains and release of water from Tillari dam on Goa-Maharashtra border, the state government informed.

Tourists and fishermen were advised to stay away from the sea.

Seasonal monsoon rains from June to September cause deaths and mass displacement across South Asia every year but they also deliver more than 70% of India's rainfall and are crucial for farm output and economic growth.

Heavy rains have caused flooding and devastation in the western states of Maharashtra, Goa and Karnataka this week.