THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Heavy rains wreaked havoc in capital on Tuesday claiming three lives and throwing normal life out of gear for several hours. Jagath Purushothaman, 56, of Govinda Mandiram, Kunnukuzhy died of electrocution.
According to authorities, he went out of the house to open a clogged drain to prevent rain water from flooding his house, when he accidently came into contact with live electric line. Poovar residents Freddy, 55, and Micheal, 56, both fishermen died from lightning strikes while straightening out their nets on the shore.
A house was completely damaged at Kudappanakunnu in the heavy rain. According to reports, many houses especially those in the low lying areas, are facing serious threat.
District collector Biju Prabhakar a sounded high-alert following meteorological department forecast about heavy rains over the next two days. In view of possible landslides in hilly areas, the collector has also restricted entry of vehicles into popular tourist destination Ponmudi and adjoining areas .
Deputy Collector (Disaster Management) P.B. Pushpalatha told DC that instructions had been given to officials to break the sand bank at Veli and release the flood water that had collected in various parts of the city.
Almost all low-lying areas were flooded which totally disrupted traffic in many parts of the city. Train services were also partially disrupted with tracks at the central station submerged. Several trains including Guruvayoor, Intercity Express departed late following flooding of tracks.
Traffic almost came to a standstillin many parts of the city as water gushed through the main roads. The ill-equipped fire department, revenue and poli-ce authorities were kept on toes since afternoon.
Streets wore a deserted look quite early in the evening with people preferring to stay indoors. Rain water entered Secretariat record room damaging files and documents.
CONTROL ROOM NUMBERS –
Collectorate – 0471-2731188/ 2730045
Nedumangad – 0472-2802424
Thiruvananthapuram – 0471-2462006
Chirayinkeezhu - 0470 -2622406
Neyyatinkara – 0471-2222227
