KOCHI: The coastal areas of Chellanam have been witnessing rough sea and high tide since Monday night, causing concern among local residents.
Water gushed through the seawall and caused damage to houses and roads in three wards in the southern side of Chellanam harbour. The high tide continued until Tuesday early morning. Meanwhile, the residents are still concerned that the high tide is expected to strike again on Tuesday night.
“There is no gap for water to recede, which is causing flooding. A team of Fire and Rescue Services personnel has been deployed in the area to carry out relief operations,” said Joseph, a resident.
On Monday evening, Dominic Presentation MLA visited the area and promised to build a mud wall adjacent to the seawall to stop the water from entering human habitat.
But, the residents blocked the coastal road for over two hours after equipment to build the mud wall failed to arrive even after 2 pm. Later, the area was cleared after work on the mud wall started.
“The mud wall is only a temporary solution. What is needed is a ‘pulimutt.’ But, the authorities have not taken any step to erect a polimutt despite repeated requests,” added Joseph.