Damage and traffic jams in heavy rains; trees fall in multiple places in Kerala including Ernakulam; couple seriously injured in Alappuzha

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Heavy rain and wind caused damage in many parts of the state. Many houses were destroyed. There was traffic disruption due to falling trees. A couple was seriously injured when a tree fell in Alappuzha. 34 houses were partially destroyed. A woman was injured when a branch of a stone apple tree fell on the south entrance of the Guruvayur temple. Five houses were damaged in Ernakulam due to falling trees.

A tree fell on the road in Alappuzha causing traffic jams including on the national highway. An auto-rickshaw was completely destroyed and two-wheelers partially destroyed when a tree fell in Thondankulangara.

Unais (28) and his wife Alisha (25) living in Zia Mansil of PH Ward were injured when a tree fell near the Alappuzha Mattanchery bridge. Nikhil's wife Anumol (24), a native of North Paravur, was injured when the branch of the stone apple tree collapsed at Guruvayur. The incident happened at nine in the morning.

Cautionary note

• In the event of continued rain, people in areas prone to landslides, mudflow and inundation should move to safer places.
• People on the coast should be careful as there is a possibility of strong sea attack
• Travel to waterfalls, water bodies and hilly areas should be avoided until the rain warning is lifted.
• Relief camps should be set up in orange alert districts
• Night travel to hilly areas should be completely avoided
• In case of emergency call toll-free numbers 1077 and 1070

Minister Kelu gives instructions to prepare facilities on hill side

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Minister OR Kelu has directed the officials to provide necessary facilities to the people in the hill and forest areas due to heavy rains. "The hilly region may become isolated due to heavy rains. Concerned officers and promoters should visit the regions and take necessary action. The disaster management system in collectorates and taluks should be coordinated," the minister suggested.