Killer floods in India

TORRENTIAL monsoon rains that came three weeks earlier than normal have killed at least 45 people in the southern Indian state of Kerala.

Mudslides and floods have destroyed nearly 500 houses and more than 1,000 people have taken shelter in 12 emergency relief camps set up across the state this week, Revenue Minister KM Mani said.

At least 16 fishermen were missing at sea as the northern districts of Calicut, Kannur and Kasargode received up to seven inches of rain this month, the state meteorology department said.