Thiruvananthapuram: Many parts of Kerala experienced continuous rain for over 24 hours from Sunday, bringing normal life to a halt across the state on Monday.
Six people were reported killed in rain-related incidents in different parts of the state. One of those killed, identified as Tomy, 55, a native of Ernakulam district, lost his life as he could not be provided medical assistance in time.
In Alappuzha, an uprooted tree fell on a train, halting train services for over an hour. In other incidents, uprooted trees fell on half a dozen vehicles.
District collectors in eight of Kerala’s 14 districts had declared a holiday for educational institutions on Monday, considering the heavy showers on Sunday. The met department has predicted heavy rains in Kerala until Wednesday.
Several roads in Kerala’s commercial capital, Kochi were inundated in the rain waters, including the arterial Mahatma Gandhi Road. The railway tracks at the Kochi railway station was also submerged in the waters.
The Alappuzha-Changanacherry road was also submerged, forcing state and private bus operators to suspend trips. High intensity winds are expected, and fishermen have been advised not to venture into the sea.
In north Kerala, there was widespread destruction in Ponnani and Changaramkulam in Malappuram district following powerful winds.
A barge, believed to be from Abu Dhabi, was spotted on the Alappuzha coast at Neerkunnam, apparently blown to the coast by the strong sea winds. No communication was immediately possible with its occupants, but three people were seen to be moving within the vessel. Police informed the coast guard about the incident.
