Deadly floods have devastated towns and villages in India as heavy rainfall in Kerala state has caused deadly landslides and flooding, with at least 26 people said to have died - some are still missing with homes washed away in the deluge. Villages have been cut off with people becoming trapped in the district of Kottayam.

Thousands of people had to evacuate with a mass number of relief camps having to be set up across the state.

Military helicopters are being used to fly in supplies and personnel to areas where people are stranded.

Idukki is another of the worst affected districts after days of heavy rainfall also caused deadly landslides and swollen rivers washing away bridges connecting many small villages. The government announced financial aid for those who have lost houses and crops after video from the area showed bus passengers being rescued after their vehicle was overcome with floodwater.

Kerala's Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan’s office said in a statement; "District collectors will be notified hours before opening the dams so that local people have enough time to evacuate." In 2018, Kerala experienced the worst flooding in a century where at least 400 people died and 200,000 were displaced.

India Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted that he had spoken to Mr Vijayan about the situation, writing: "It is sad that many people have died due to the heavy rains and landslides in Kerala. My condolences to the bereaved families."

India's meteorological department predicted heavy, isolated rainfall in the state for up to a further four days.