Kochi: Torrential rains accompanied by strong winds wreaked havoc across multiple districts of Kerala, claiming one life and leaving a trail of destruction. The worst-hit regions reported numerous incidents of trees uprooting, property damage, road blockages, and vehicle accidents.
Tragedy struck in Kannur when a massive tree collapsed onto a house in Kannavatham, killing Peruvazhiile Chandran, a resident of Peruva. In another incident in Pallikunnu, a tree crashed onto power lines, snapping electricity and disrupting traffic along the busy national highway. Elsewhere in the district, heavy winds damaged Krishna’s house in Thottumukkam Mysorepatta.
In Kozhikode district, trees toppled onto houses and vehicles. A residence in Kodiyathur sustained significant damage after a tree fell onto its roof. A palm tree crushed a pickup van parked in Thamarassery, and in Karadi Nellooli Chaal, Muhammad Haneefah’s vehicle was wrecked by a falling tree. A massive teak tree and coconut palms destroyed a home in Koodatha, rendering it uninhabitable.
Palakkad district also reported severe destruction. In Thachampara Kunnamthir, two people were injured after a tree collapsed on their house. A one-room home in Lakshwadi Colony, Vithanassery belonging to Ramaswamy and Murukamma was completely torn apart by gusty winds and pelting rain, leaving the couple homeless. They have since been relocated to safer premises.
A large tree blocked the main road near Mangalam Dam after falling across it, damaging power lines and halting traffic. Quick response teams later cleared the area and restored movement. Fortunately, a major accident was averted as there were no vehicles on that stretch at the time of the incident.
In a separate episode, a pickup van skidded out of control and overturned along the Palakkad–Yikkalassery National Highway. Fortunately, the passengers escaped unharmed. Meanwhile, in Kottayam, falling trees destroyed several homes. In Vattakottai near Mannurpalli, a tree smashed into the house of Jijo Joseph, injuring Christy a tenant after a wooden beam fell on her head. Others inside the house narrowly escaped what could have been a fatal accident.
As the state braces for more rain, authorities have urged residents to remain alert and report any hazards immediately. Emergency response teams are on standby in affected regions to assist with rescue and rehabilitation.