Kerala: Nine killed in rain-related incidents in two days
At least nine persons lost their lives in the last two days in Kerala in rain-related incidents even as the downpour continued in parts of the state. One person died today after coming in contact with a power-line that snapped in gusty winds at Neyyatinkara while another drowned in a river in Alappuzha, said officials at State Control Room for Disaster Management in Thiruvananthapuram.
Most deaths due to drowning: Officials
According to revenue authorities, seven deaths, including two each in Thiruvananthapuram and Alappuzha, were reported in rain-related calamities in the last two days. Most of the deaths occurred due to drowning in swollen rivers and uprooting of trees, they said.
Crops and property damaged in several districts
The rain also damaged crops and property in Idukki, Kozhikode, and Kannur districts, the officials said, adding the loss to agriculture and property was being assessed. Traffic was disrupted in the high range Idukki district following landslips and after trees fell on the road, officials said. Sea erosion was also reported from coastal areas of the southern state.
Relief camp set up near Kadinamkulam
A relief camp has been opened at nearby Kadinamkulam, where 40 persons from 10 families were shifted. Another 78 persons from 22 fishermen's families affected by sea erosion were given shelter at a camp at Alappuzha, officials said.
Strong winds with up to 60 kmph speed likely
The MeT Department has stated that strong winds with a speed of 40-50 kmph, gusting up to 60 kmph, are likely along and off Kerala coasts and over Lakshadweep areas in the next 24 hours. The sea condition would be rough to very rough over the Arabian Sea. Fishermen have also been asked not to venture into these areas.
Ban on trawling by mechanized boats until 1 July
Meanwhile, Kerala Government's 52-day ban until 1 July on trawling by mechanized fishing boats during monsoon came into force from midnight. The two-decade-old practice of the ban is with a view to protecting sea resources as the gestation period of different species of fish occurs during the monsoon. Other states' trawlers also would be asked not to enter Kerala coast during the ban.
