KOCHI: Since the southwest monsoon arrived in the state on June 8, Ernakulam district has suffered a loss to the tune of more than Rs 25 lakh because of the damage to life and property during the heavy rains. Though the district received less than average rainfall, two deaths and damage to 178 houses were reported. As per the District Disaster Management Authority’s statistics, Kothamangalam and Paravur taluks are the most affected.
Two persons died in two separate tree falling incidents reported from Kanayannur and Aluva taluks. Out of the 178 houses, nine have been fully damaged while the rest have suffered partial damage. As per the data available with the district agriculture department, the initial spell of the monsoon has caused agricultural loss worth more than Rs 17 lakh with over 7,051 crops damaged in heavy rains. Plantain farming areas in Parakkadavu, Chengamanad, Kunnukara and Karukutty have been damaged.
Other crops like arecanut, rubber, nutmeg and tapioca crops were also damaged in the eastern parts of the district. In Kothamangalam block, 3,820 banana trees were completely damaged. While the total monsoon damage estimated is very little, actual loss in agriculture will be more than Rs 1 crore.
Farmers’ groups have urged authorities to initiate steps for the distribution of compensation. As per the Indian Meteorological Department statistics, Ernakulam received 61.87 centimetres of rain from June 1 to June 29 while the normal rainfall predicted is 66.87. The district registered a decline of seven percentage which is considered as normal.
