Severe Rain and Strong Winds Leave a Trail of Destruction in Shasthamkotta, Chavara, and Mainagappally

Heavy rain and strong winds have caused widespread destruction in the areas of Shasthamkotta, Chavara, and Shasthamkotta. In Mainagappally, three houses have suffered partial collapse, while a house in the Ilayappankkuttikuttu area of Mainagappally had a tree fall on top of it, resulting in significant damage. The most severe tragedy unfolded in Thalanarazhi, where extensive devastation occurred. Notably, Tulasimandir in Vayalithara Junction and the houses of Gopakumar in Vrindavan also faced destruction as trees came crashing down. Power lines were affected as trees fell, leading to power outages in several areas, including Chavara and Shasthamkotta. The disruption of electricity distribution was complete. Furthermore, a house in the Ilayappankkuttikuttu area of Mainagappally was struck by a falling tree.

The impact of the destruction extended to electrical equipment and the power circuit. Road traffic was severely affected, with trees falling extensively within the jurisdiction of all panchayats in the Chavara region. Near the Shasthamkotta-Tiyanium Patha, coconut trees obstructed the road, causing disruptions to traffic flow. Similarly, the Kuttivattam-Thevalakkara Road experienced traffic disruptions due to fallen trees. Trees were reported to have fallen in various locations, including Mukhammoodi Junction, Kottappa Junction, Thevalakkara, Chenankara Junction, and South Bhagam, resulting in damage to residential properties.

The agricultural sector also suffered losses, with crops and livestock sustaining damage. During the night, power distribution was disrupted for an extended period, exacerbating the challenges faced by the affected communities. Distress calls were made by numerous individuals reporting fallen trees in different areas. The rescue operations were impeded by continuous rainfall and limited visibility during the nighttime. Efforts were made to clear fallen trees from main roads to restore traffic flow, but major roads remained heavily impacted, causing significant delays and disruptions. Station Officer Shajimon, Assistant Station Officer Valentine, Grade Assistant Station Officers Jayakumar and Sunil, and more than ten army personnel worked tirelessly in rescue operations, despite the adverse weather conditions.