Monsoon is solace, serene and scary

The monsoon season is in its incipient stage in Kerala. Though it is a solace from the sweltering heat, the monsoon in Kerala can transform from fun to fury in the blink of an eye. Around ten people have died in various parts of the state, even during the initial stage of the monsoon this year. This loss of life was due to falling trees and road accidents. As a precautionary measure, a red alert has been announced in some districts and an orange and yellow alert in others to reduce the damage caused by the monsoon.

The sudden arrival of the monsoon comes after long prayers from citizens who were tormented by the scorching summer. But when the second phase arrives, the nature and character of the rains will change. The rains that brought relief will turn into misery. The landscape of Kerala, full of trees, rivers and backwaters, risks the chances of more accidents. This is also a time when pedestrians, motorists and those who go fishing should be vigilant.

Three people, including a couple, lost their lives when an Innova car lost control and crashed into a parked lorry on National Highway 66 near Calicut University in Malappuram at midnight. Ibrahim and Khadija's son Shafid, his wife Shaheena, and Shaheena's uncle's daughter Jahana Sherin died. Illam Manikandan Shanthi died after a tree fell on him on the Kodungallur SN Puram road. A young man named Shahin, a native of Edavanna Poovamannu, who had gone fishing in the Chaliyar in Malappuram, drowned. An ambulance lost control and overturned in Kottamparam near Peringalam in Kozhikode, killing an elderly woman.

Roads are slippery in this rainy season. The main culprit is the teetering tree branches leaning over the road. Tree branches break and fall on power lines and moving vehicles, causing accidents. The other day, a huge tree fell on a vehicle that was moving at the Balaramapuram Uchkkada junction. Abhilash, a native of Kidarakuzhi, and his brother-in-law, who were in the vehicle, miraculously escaped. The accident occurred when many vehicles, including school buses, were passing by.

During the rainy season, motorists should beware of the dangers lurking everywhere. People driving during odd hours should also follow caution. Excessive speeding can cause more dangers during the rainy season. Only travel when it is essential. Avoid going into wells, working on metal roofs, and fishing in flowing rivers. Our own life is of paramount importance; do not forget that.