Rain wreaks havoc in Idukki

Kochi: Heavy rains on Thursday lashed the hilly regions of Idukki district, injuring several persons and damaging houses. “At least seven persons were injured in various rain-related incidents while five houses were fully damaged and 27 others partially affected,” said a Revenue Department official. A tree fell over an autorickshaw in heavy rains at Puliyanmala, leaving the riders Benjamin (19) and Byju (32) injured. An electric post fell over an SUV at Amayar near Kattapana, inuring local residents Mathew Jacob and Jobish Mathew.

One of the old buildings of St Sebastian’s LP School at Nedumkandom collapsed even while classes were on in an adjacent building. At Adimali, an electric post fell over a KSRTC bus, however, the 40 commuters and the crew had a lucky escape. Power supply was hit at many places while traffic was disrupted in Udumbanchola –Munnar and Kumily- Anavilasom-Kattappana routes among others following tree-falling incidents.

Five homes collapsed and another 27 partially damaged in heavy wind and rainfall Udumbanchola taluk. The meteorological department issued a warning of the heavy rains continuing for the next 24 hours.  “Public should avoid travelling at night as there are chances of landslides. Boating at Idukki has been suspended till further notice,” district collector G R Gokul said.