Kochi, Oct. 20 -- One person has died in Idukki as heavy rains lashed several parts of Kerala over the last 24 hours, causing inundation of low-lying areas and a rise in water level in reservoirs, including Mullaperiyar dam, prompting authorities to raise its shutters to release excess water. A 66-year-old man, identified as Parappallil Thomas, was killed after his two-wheeler was caught under falling mud near Vellaramkunnu in Idukki late Saturday night, panchayat officials said. Thomas was reportedly returning home after closing his shop when the accident occurred. The rains caused heavy waterlogging in Kumily, where power lines were dislodged, main arterial roads were flooded, vehicles were washed away and homes were flooded. The heavy rains forced the district administration to shut down tourist activities. While six districts were issued an orange alert on Sunday; for Monday, the number was reduced to two - Ernakulam and Idukki. All other districts, except Kannur and Kasaragod, have been issued yellow alert with moderate rains expected in the next 24 hours.htc...