HEAVY RAINS LASH SOUTH KERALA.

HEAVY RAINS LASH SOUTH KERALA

Heavy rains triggered by the cyclone Thane lashed south Kerala since30th December night at least four lives and leaving a trail of destruction in the state capital and adjoining districts. The Indian Meteorological Department office here said the downpour was a consequence of the impact of cyclone Thane that hit the Tamil Nadu coast Friday, 30th December,2011. Though there has been a let up since 10 AM, normal life continues to be hit in low-lying areas in the capital city where the sudden downpour brought misery and destruction. A 75-year-old woman and her three-year-old granddaughter were electrocuted as a live wire broke off and fell into the gushing rain waters at Manambur .Another woman died as the mudwall of her hut collapsed in rains at Vilappil. Her husband is undergoing treatment in hospital. Several trains between Kollam and Thiruvananthapuram were delayed this morning due to flooding of tracks affecting the signal system.

Hundreds of Sabarimala pilgrims were caught unwares by the heavy downpour but the situation became normal by this morning. The government reviewed the situation and announced Rs 10,000 as emergency relief for families of those killed and Rs one lakh for fully damaged houses.
Very heavy rainfall of 22 cm was recorded in Harippad in Alappuzha district, followed by Thiruvananthapuram city (18) in the 24 hours ended at 8.30 AM this morning. Heavy rainfall has also been recorded in many places in Kollam, Pathanamthitta and Alappuzhadistrict

       Heavy rains and floods here Saturday have left four people dead and one missing in the aftermath of cyclone Thane which hit the Tamil Nadu coast near Cuddalore Friday.
At least 33 people were killed as cyclone Thane hit the Tamil Nadu coast near Cuddalore Friday morning, leaving a trail of death and destruction in the state and Puducherry.Speaking to the media, Kerala Minister for Transport V.S. Sivakumar said four people have been reported dead and one missing in Thiruvananthapuram.'We have already opened three relief camps as low lying areas of the city have been flooded. Instructions have been given to authorities that they should open more camps. Food and ration would be provided in the camps,' said Sivakumar. In the capital district, 50 houses have been partially destroyed and the authorities have decided to open the shutters of the Neyyar Dam located on the outskirts.The state government has announced Rs.one lakh ex-gratia to the families of the victims immediately.'We are doing our best to see that relief and rehabilitation reaches those who have been affected,' said Thiruvananthapuram Mayor J. Chandrika.

                                                                                Prof. John Kurakar