Rescue squads on alert as heavy rain continues in Kozhikode, Malappuram
The Hindu
Vigil continues in upland areas in Kozhikode where landslips and flash floods had claimed many lives in the past.
On the instructions of the District Disaster Management Authority, the Revenue authorities on Wednesday put in place an intensified surveillance mechanism over upland areas in Kozhikode where landslips and flash floods had claimed many lives in the past.
In the wake of incessant downpour, more relief camps were opened in Vadakara, Koyilandy and Thamarassery taluks to accommodate people in case of an emergency evacuation.
Power generation from the Urumi small hydroelectric project was temporarily suspended following damage caused to the penstock pipe. Officials said it would take at least two to three days for resumption of power generation.
Power supply was disrupted at several locations as uprooted avenue trees fell on overhead powerlines in the morning. At Nadakkavu, a giant tree fell on the compound of Nadakkavu Teachers Training Institute. As students were away for practical training, a major tragedy was averted. The roof of a masjid near Kuttichira was damaged in strong wind around 8 a.m.
Traffic got paralysed in several places as rescue squads could not complete restoration work quickly due to heavy rain. At Nadakkavu and East Hill, local residents supported rescue teams to speed up work. KSEB officials said power supply was restored in urban areas by noon.
In Vadakara, six students had a close shave after a teak tree fell on the autorickshaw in which they were travelling on Wednesday afternoon. The incident took place around 4.30 p.m. near Kurunthodi while they were returning home. Fire and rescue services officials said no one sustained injuries as the tree was partly blocked by a power line.
Several families in Beypore and Kappad areas were on the verge of sea erosion threat. Many were found not cooperating with instructions from the Revenue officials to temporarily relocate to safer places. A portion of the Kappad-Thoovappara coastal road caved in. The destruction of seawall reportedly affected the coastal road which was renovated after the last monsoon.