KOCHI: The monsoon that lashed out along with gusty wind wreaked havoc in the district. In a report prepared by the District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA), two deaths and one injury were reported from Kanayannur taluk after the monsoon kick-started in the state. As per the report, 189 houses were affected in the monsoon which started on April 28. Out of this, 15 were completely damaged. While 18 houses were partially damaged on Tuesday.
Like in the previous year, Kothamanagalam and Paravur taluks are the most affected by the natural calamity. Over 60 cases of house damages were reported from Kothamangalam while the number of damages in Paravur taluk is around 35. Kunnathunadu, Aluva, Muvattupuzha and Kochi are the other taluks affected by the monsoon rain.
Meanwhile, the district witnessed a devastating loss of Rs 2.75 crore in the agriculture sector. As per the report of the Agriculture Department, an area of 120.93 hectares was completely affected due to downpour. Areas such as Vazhakkulam, Poothrikka, Ramamangalam, Muvattupuzha, Piravom, Thirumaradi, Perumbavoor and Kolenchery are the worst hit.
Though the department is yet to release a final report, the primary estimate pegs the loss at over Rs 10 crore to the farmers. Precious crops like nutmeg, arecanut, pepper, paddy, vegetables and tapioca also faced damages.“Though the calculated loss comes around Rs 3 crore, the actual loss to the crops would be over Rs 25 crore,” said an officer with the Agriculture Department.
Kothamangalam-Idamalayar Road damaged
Kochi: The heavy downpour in the eastern parts of Kochi led to the collapse of a culvert in Bhoothathankettu, leaving people in the lurch. The incident took place around five in the morning, damaging the Kothamangalam-Idamalayar Road completely. Two bikers were injured and the vehicle movement has come to a standstill. Meanwhile, the damage to the roads has left thousands of people stranded in the areas of Vattappara, Idamalayar, Thalumkandam and Ponganchod Adivasi colonies. Presently, the Forest Department has completely shut down the roads till the repair works are completed. The Kothamangalam-Idamalayar Road has been the only connectivity for the people belonging to those regions to the city. The injured Jayan, 33, and Vijayan, 37, were taken to MBMS Hospital at Kothamangalam. The hospital authorities said the injuries are not severe.