BENGALURU - Intense rain lashed southern India on Oct 16, with weather officials issuing a red alert warning of flash floods and landslides.

       India’s Meteorological Department warned of “heavy to very heavy” rainfall expected in parts of the southern state of Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Kerala.

       Heavy rain and strong winds have battered southern India since Oct 15, forcing many schools shut and disrupting train services.

       In the city of Chennai, people used boats on the streets where the water had risen higher than the engines of cars.

       Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. K. Stalin said Oct 16 that all relief work was being carried out “in full swing” and also announced free food at government-run restaurants.

       Deadly rain-related floods and landslides are common across South Asia during the monsoon season, but experts say climate change is increasing their frequency and severity.

       In the southern tech hub of Bengaluru, traffic crawled as several roads were submerged under water. The downpour also delayed cricket, stalling the first test match between India and New Zealand. AFP

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