Kottayam and Alappuzha districts in Kerala witnessed widespread destruction as powerful winds swept through in the early hours of Wednesday, leaving a trail of damage and disruption. The high-intensity winds, which began around 3:30 am and were followed by a second wave at approximately 5 am, caused significant damage to infrastructure and property, severely affecting daily life in both districts.
In Kottayam, the tempest resulted in the uprooting of trees, many of which caused extensive damage to vehicles and buildings. At the KSRTC bus stand, a massive tree was felled by the wind, crushing several vehicles parked in the vicinity. Similar scenes unfolded in Nattakom, where a large tree on the premises of the Government Polytechnic College fell across a major roadway, leading to traffic snarls. Fortunately, no casualties were reported, although a teak tree collapsed onto a house in Neendoor, and a coconut tree was uprooted, landing on a poultry shed in Kumarakom. Several households in Vaikom, Vechoor, and Udayanapuram panchayats were left without electricity as the strong winds snapped power lines. The Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) reported significant disruptions to the power supply across multiple areas, with restoration efforts expected to take considerable time. The fire and rescue services were swiftly mobilised, working tirelessly to clear the debris and restore normalcy to the affected regions.
Meanwhile, in Alappuzha district, the situation was equally grim. Heavy winds wreaked havoc in Ambalappuzha taluk, where one house was completely destroyed, and around 50 others were partially damaged. The district’s power infrastructure suffered substantial setbacks, as many areas plunged into darkness due to severed electric lines. Rail traffic was brought to a standstill in Thakazhi after a tree fell on the tracks, causing several hours of disruption. Additionally, at the General Hospital in Alappuzha, a large tree was uprooted and landed on vehicles parked in the compound, necessitating prompt action by fire and rescue teams. The winds also caused considerable damage in Kuttanad, further straining the district’s emergency response services. As residents and authorities grapple with the aftermath, the full extent of the damage is yet to be fully assessed. The focus now shifts to restoration efforts and assessing the economic impact on the region, as authorities work to bring life back to normal.
