New Delhi, Aug. 3 -- Major towns in Kerala and large swathes of rural areas, experienced widespread flooding and waterlogging following incessant heavy rains on Sunday, taking the death toll in rain-related incidents up to eight even as eight others were missing, officials said. Though the intensity of the rains reduced on Sunday, floodwaters did not recede from major urban centres in the state including towns such as Aranmula and Ranni, leading to members of the public, MLAs along with NDRF personnel and volunteers joining hands to clear solid waste and remove clogged drains. A release from the CM's office said the death toll from rain-related incidents since Friday climbed to eight with eight others reported missing, including fishermen who ventured to sea from the Muthalapozhi harbour. While 13 people were injured, a total of 5,792 persons have been shifted to relief camps from flood and landslide prone zones. "Public must continue to remain alert especially in hilly areas. Though the magnitude of the rains has deceased, measures have been taken to deal with any situation that emerges. The government promises relief and financial assistance to those who have been affected in the rain-related incidents," the CMO said. Meanwhile, the flood situation in Assam improved slightly, with the number of affected people coming down to 178,000 even though the count of districts hit by the deluge increased to seven, officials said on Sunday. At least 85 people died in this year's deluge, officials said. Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said the state government will engage IIT-Guwahati for developing a long-term solution to the erosion problem of the Brahmaputra river. Meghalaya, known for its rain-soaked landscapes and home to some of the wettest places on Earth, is experiencing one of its driest monsoon spells in years, with the state recording a staggering 58% rainfall deficit during the core monsoon season, according to the latest data released by IMD. Between June 1 and July 31, the state received only 681.5 mm of rain against the seasonal normal of 1,626.2mm, placing Meghalaya in the IMD's 'Deficient' rainfall category and triggering concerns over agriculture, drinking water supply and reservoir storage if the dry spell continues....