AMN /

 South Kerala and some other areas are under flood threat as the South West monsoon intensified in the state causing heavy damage. Kollam District Collector has declared a holiday today for all educational institutions except professional colleges in the district following the rains.

Wide-spread loss of property has been reported in several regions of southern part of the State.

The Met office has informed that heavy rains will continue to lash the State till Sunday. There are chances of winds with a speed reaching up to 60 kms occurring in the State. With the increase in the wind speed, the Monsoon too will gather strength, the weatherman said.

The southwest monsoon normally hits Kerala around June 1. It advances northwards, usually in surges, and covers the entire country by around July 15.

Last year, while the IMD forecast the date for the onset of the southwest monsoon as May 30, the actual onset took place on June 5.