Rain wreaks havoc across Kerala

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The monsoon brought winds gusting up to a maximum speed of 81kmph on Saturday triggering widespread tree fall and power failure in various parts of the state. As many as 13 people, including an eight-year-old girl, lost their lives on Saturday and Sunday, according to the state disaster management authority.

While nine people were killed on Saturday, four deaths were reported on Sunday. Thiruvananthapuram witnessed four deaths and Alappuzha three. Two deaths each were reported from Kannur and Kasaragod and one each were reported from Pathanamtitta and Kozhikode.

Akshaya (8), of Mallappally in Kozhancheri taluk was killed when a coconut tree fell over her. Suresh Kumar (41), of Chengannur and Vinu (42), of Cherthala drowned in Achankovil River and a lake in Vayalar, respectively. Sasidharan (75) of Kattayikonam was electrocuted.

Around 19 houses were fully and 408 houses partially damaged in the rain fury in the state.

India Meteorological Department (IMD) said that heavy rainfall and squally wind will continue till Thursday. "A low-pressure area has developed off West Bengal and Bangladesh coast. The monsoon has intensified due to its presence. Heavy rains accompanied with gusty wind are expected till Thursday," said IMD director K Santhosh.

He added that wind with average speed 50-53kmph was reported on Saturday while it occasionally reached a maximum speed of 81kmph. Following reports of power failure, the Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) has asked assistant engineers and assistant executive engineers to work on Sundays to take up restoration works. It has launched a helpline (9496061061) to give information on broken power lines.

Sekhar Kuriakose, member secretary of the Kerala State Disaster Management Authority said people were advised to stay away from water bodies during rains, but most of the fatal incidents occurred due to drowning.

Fishermen have been warned that the condition of the sea is likely to be rough to very rough. Opposition leader Ramesh Chennithala asked the government to give directions to district collectors to lead rescue operations on a war-footing basis.