KOCHI: Ernakulam district witnessed a tragic turn of events on Monday as heavy rains wreaked havoc, claiming one life and causing extensive damage to homes across several villages. The deceased, identified as Joseph, 63, from Pandipara in Idukki, tragically lost his life when a tree uprooted and fell on his car. Joseph, along with his family members including his pregnant daughter Anjumol and son-in-law Joby John, was waiting inside their vehicle amidst a traffic jam caused by heavy rain in Neriamangalam. The incident occurred on the Kochi-Dhanushkodi national highway, highlighting the perilous conditions exacerbated by the adjacent forested area.
Anjumol, who was being taken to a hospital due to uneasiness, remains under observation along with other injured family members. According to revenue officials, the tree fell on Joseph’s car and the rear of a KSRTC bus, causing severe injuries and tragically leading to Joseph’s demise. In addition to the tragic loss of life, several houses bore the brunt of the rainstorm. Chengamanad village in Aluva witnessed the damaging impact of a whirlwind that caused trees to fall onto four houses around midday. Similar incidents were reported from Keezhmadu and Chowara villages, underscoring the widespread destruction caused by the inclement weather.
Further exacerbating the situation, swollen waves breached an 8-foot seawall, inundating 16 houses in ward number 13 at Kannupillakettu in Edavanakkad. The coastal community faced severe challenges as seawater breached defenses, compelling many families to seek refuge in cyclone shelters or with relatives.
“The severity of the rainstorm underscores the vulnerability of coastal areas to climate change impacts,” acknowledged a local official from the affected panchayat. “Sunday’s sea surge was surpassed in intensity by Monday’s events, with expectations of continued challenges into the coming days.”
As Ernakulam district grapples with the aftermath of this natural disaster, authorities are mobilizing resources to support affected families and reinforce infrastructure against future calamities. The tragic loss of life and widespread property damage serve as poignant reminders of the urgent need for resilient urban planning and climate adaptation strategies in vulnerable regions like Ernakulam.
