Heavy rains lashed South Kerala and its many areas are now under flood threat as the South West monsoon intensified in the Kerala. Kollam District Collector has declared a holiday today for all educational institutions except professional colleges in the district following the rains. <br/><br/>Wide-spread loss of property has been reported in several regions of southern part of the State. <br/><br/>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.