Kochi: A heavy spell of summer rain lashed the city on Monday afternoon, bringing relief from the boiling heat. The rain lasted for several hours resulting in water logging in low-lying areas in the city and leaving pedestrians and two-wheeler riders stranded. A heavy downpour threw traffic out of gear on major roads and pedestrians were forced to wade through the muddy water. Since the city corporation has not completed the pre-monsoon cleaning works, the drains and canals overflowed resulting in flooding.
Meanwhile, corporation works committee chairperson Soumini Jain told DC that she didn’t get any complaint on water logging. “Because of the summer showers, silt removing from drains and clearing weeds from canals will be taken up soon. A meeting was convened on Monday to discuss the immediate steps to be taken to prevent water logging. Rs 2.5 lakh has been allocated for each division for cleaning works,” she said.
However, the heavy downpour turned out to be a relief for the traders and residents along the Metro worksites where road widening work is progressing as the rain helped the billowing dust clouds settle down.
The Indian Meteorological Department had earlier predicted a good spell of summer showers across the state from April 5. According to IMD’s prediction, the summer showers, which will be active till April 15, will be more towards the northern districts.
