Rain lashes Kochi city, suburbs

Heavy rain from Cyclone Fengal causes traffic snarls in Kochi, with isolated to heavy rainfall in suburbs, but no damage reported.

Heavy rain lashed the city and its suburbs on Monday, slowing down normal life.

The heavy downpour, a spin-off effect of Cyclone Fengal which brought heavy rain in many parts of south India, triggered traffic snarls in the city for a few hours. Though the main thoroughfares were flooded immediately after the showers, the floodwater quickly drained away much to the relief of the city dwellers.

Kochi city and its outskirts, including Aluva, Angamaly, Kalady and North Paravur, witnessed isolated to heavy rainfall. No damage to property or accidents have been reported, according to the information provided by the Department of Fire and Rescue Services in Kochi city around 7 p.m.

Moderate to isolated rain was reported across several areas. The Indian Meteorological department (IMD) had issued an orange alert for the district on December 2.

The areas that received rainfall along the Periyar river basin included Aluva (145.4 mm); Bhoothathankettu (64.4 mm); Neriyamangalam (57.2 mm) and Keerampara (76.4 mm). Vannappuram and Piravom in the Muvattupuzha river basin received a rainfall of 71.4 mm and 67.4 mm respectively.

The Ernakulam district administration has banned quarrying activities till December 4 in view of the rain situation.

A joint advisory issued by the IMD and the Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA) around 4 p.m. included Ernakulam among the districts expected to witness thunderstorms with moderate (5-15 mm/h) rainfall and gusty wind speeds less than 40 kmph in isolated places.