<p>Thiruvananthapuram: Rains continued to wreak havoc in Kerala even as the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) on Thursday announced the arrival of the southwest monsoon over the state.</p>.<p>According to IMD, monsoon has set in over Kerala and advanced into most parts of northeast India .</p>.<p>IMD earlier forecasted that the monsoon would hit Kerala by May 31. Last year the monsoon hit Kerala on June 8.</p>.<p>Meanwhile, three persons lost their lives in rain-related casualties in the state on Thursday while eight persons, including fishermen, were injured after being struck by lightning in Kozhikode.</p>.<p>The deaths were reported from Kollam, Alappuzha and Kottayam districts on Thursday.</p>.<p>While Kollam native Saleem and Kottayam resident Thilakan drowned in rivers, Alappuzha native Ashokan drowned in a flooded paddy field.</p>.<p>Over ten persons have been killed and massive destruction to houses and crops reported in the last few days. </p>.Monsoon sets in over Kerala and Northeast on the same day.<p>The Met office has forecasted heavy to very heavy rain across Kerala on Friday. Many parts of Kerala are already flooded owing to the pre-monsoon showers lashing the state over the last few days.</p>.<p><strong>40% excess rainfall</strong></p>.<p>Kerala received 40% excess pre-monsoon and summer showers this time.</p>.<p>According to IMD, while the normal rainfall from March to May is 347.1 mm, the state has received 485.7 mm during the same period this year.</p>.<p>Four districts, including Thiruvananthapuram and Kochi, received large excess of rainfall. Alappuzha district received the highest excess of 92% during the season.</p>.<p>The state was facing an acute summer during the last few months. Hence, the arrival of rains had initially brought much cheers.</p>
<p>Thiruvananthapuram: Rains continued to wreak havoc in Kerala even as the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) on Thursday announced the arrival of the southwest monsoon over the state.</p>.<p>According to IMD, monsoon has set in over Kerala and advanced into most parts of northeast India .</p>.<p>IMD earlier forecasted that the monsoon would hit Kerala by May 31. Last year the monsoon hit Kerala on June 8.</p>.<p>Meanwhile, three persons lost their lives in rain-related casualties in the state on Thursday while eight persons, including fishermen, were injured after being struck by lightning in Kozhikode.</p>.<p>The deaths were reported from Kollam, Alappuzha and Kottayam districts on Thursday.</p>.<p>While Kollam native Saleem and Kottayam resident Thilakan drowned in rivers, Alappuzha native Ashokan drowned in a flooded paddy field.</p>.<p>Over ten persons have been killed and massive destruction to houses and crops reported in the last few days. </p>.Monsoon sets in over Kerala and Northeast on the same day.<p>The Met office has forecasted heavy to very heavy rain across Kerala on Friday. Many parts of Kerala are already flooded owing to the pre-monsoon showers lashing the state over the last few days.</p>.<p><strong>40% excess rainfall</strong></p>.<p>Kerala received 40% excess pre-monsoon and summer showers this time.</p>.<p>According to IMD, while the normal rainfall from March to May is 347.1 mm, the state has received 485.7 mm during the same period this year.</p>.<p>Four districts, including Thiruvananthapuram and Kochi, received large excess of rainfall. Alappuzha district received the highest excess of 92% during the season.</p>.<p>The state was facing an acute summer during the last few months. Hence, the arrival of rains had initially brought much cheers.</p>