KOCHI: Even as torrential rain that pounded the district for the past couple of days abated on Monday, isolated rain-related incidents were reported from across Ernakulam. Control Room officers at the Collectorate said steps have been initiated to take stock of the losses due to the heavy downpour in different parts of the district.
“The rain has almost ceased in most parts of the district. All schools in the district remain closed. Revenue officers are estimating the damage caused by the heavy rain on Sunday,” an officer said.
A tree was uprooted near Kunnara Park along the Vyttila-Tripunithura road around 8 am, disrupting traffic on the busy stretch for several hours. Fire and Rescue Services personnel, with the help of local residents and the police, removed the tree and resumed traffic flow by around 11.30 am.
Corporation Councillor V P Chandran said it was a lucky escape as cars and bikes were passing through the stretch when the accident occurred. “Several trees located close to the road are overhanging precariously and pose danger to human life. The authorities should take action and prune the trees at the earliest,” he said.
In some parts of Kochi, the stormwater is yet to recede. The by-road close to SRV School connecting MG Road and Chittoor Road remains inundated. Similarly, the road at the east end of Ernakulam Junction railway station is also flooded. Several roads in West Kochi also remain submerged.
The Neriamangalam-Munnar road was partially opened on Monday. Due to landslide at different locations, the road was closed on Sunday.
Over 10 rain-related accidents were reported in Ernakulam district the other day. At Asamannoor near Perumbavoor, two houses were completely damaged in a mudslide.
The flood-like situation continued in several parts of Kothamangalam and Perumbavoor. Around 50 families have been relocated following flooding.
Naval Command’s Operation Madad to the rescue
Kochi: In the wake of an official request made by the Kerala Disaster Management Authority (KDMA) seeking immediate assistance to manage exigencies triggered due to adverse weather, the Southern Naval Command implemented Operation Madad from Sunday. Operation Madad, meaning aid, is put into effect when Navy’s assistance is sought by the civic administration to contain an emergency situation. When this operation is executed, all departments related to the force will be kept on high alert to perform pre-ordained roles. As part of the operation, a Relief Operation Centre (ROC) has been set up at the Joint Operations Centre (JOC) at the Naval Base here. Personnel and equipment to tackle flood - including boats and diving teams - have been kept on standby. Further, ships and aircraft have also been primed to assist the civil population and fishermen. On Monday, a communication was received from the Coastal Police station at Munakkakadavu that a fishing boat ‘Sana Mol’ - with around 10 people on board - was in distress near Thrissur due to engine failure and flooding caused by ingress of water. An ALH helicopter was launched for immediate search and rescue operation at 6 am, and the Naval Ship NS Kabra was dispatched at 7 am to render necessary assistance. The ship remained in the area ensuring the safety
of the crew on board Sanamol till the boat was towed to safety using another boat. Both the boats have reached Munakkakadavu safely and the ship has returned to its base.