India, Aug. 2 -- Heavy rains lashed several parts of Kerala on Saturday, triggering landslides, inundating low-lying areas, swelling rivers and dams, and prompting authorities to launch large-scale rescue and evacuation operations in affected regions.

A statement from the CMO said six people were killed in rain-related incidents across the state.

Four of the deaths occurred in separate landslides in Idukki and Kottayam districts, where several others were rescued.

Search operations for the six missing persons continued with personnel from the National Disaster Response Force, Fire and Rescue Services, police, the Coast Guard, the local administration, public representatives and residents participating in the efforts, the statement said...