Kollam: The coast of Alappad here has been completely affected by furious waves owing to the weak sea wall protection in the area. Several houses were damaged and the area was inundated with sea water. The families residing in the coast of Alappad were shifted to relief camps as a precautionary measure.
"The major issue with Alappad panchayat is sea erosion. The families were shifted as a precautionary measure as several houses were inundated with sea water. The camp was dispersed after the weather was found stable," Karunagappally Tahsildar N. Sajitha Beegum told DC. Over 250 persons belonging to 42 families were shifted to rehabilitation camps set up in two schools in Pandarathuruthu and Cheriyazheekkal.
The road connecting Pandarathuruthu and Vellanathuruthu was washed away by the sea. "The area has completely been excavated by the public sector companies for black sand that has resulted in the current situation. The sea water that rushed to the land has not yet receded," a local resident form Cheriyazheekkal said.
Srayikkad, Kuzhithura, Parayakkadavu, Pandarathuruthu, Cheriyazheekkal and Vellanathuruthu are the worst affected in sea wrath this monsoon season.
The area is also under grip of drinking water scarcity. The residents mostly depend on water tankers that supply drinking water arranged by the district administration.
The groynes constructed at Azheekkal shore have been flattened by the waves due to lack of timely maintenance. Srayikkad and cheriyazheekkal shores were earlier included in a project to construct groynes, which has not yet been materialised. Lack of necessary precaution by foreseeing the seasonal phenomenon of sea erosion by the administration has contributed to the sad plight of people in these areas.
