Heavy rains and teetering tree branches

The cyclonic circulation forming on the coasts of Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Odisha is responsible for the current inclement weather in Kerala. The wind speed is predicted to reach 50-60 kmph in the coming days and it should serve as a warning call for authorities to cut down trees teetering on the roadsides. Four people died in the state on Sunday in accidents related to heavy rains. Two people are missing.

Heavy rains have caused extensive damage to coastal areas across the state due to sea erosion. Sea levels are rising at an unprecedented rate as part of climate change.

About ten houses are at risk of collapsing in the Vettucaud region of Thiruvananthapuram. The sea erosion has intensified after sandbags installed for coastal protection were washed away in many places. People need to be immediately shifted to safer places. Coastal roads have also been destroyed due to the sea erosion. Even boats moored near the shore have been taken away by the sea, inflicting financial losses on poor fishermen communities. Along with the furious rain, the ban on trawling has also put the lives of allied workers working in the coastal area in crisis.

Following the shipwreck, the government announced assistance to fishermen in Alappuzha, Kollam, Ernakulam and Thiruvananthapuram districts. The coastal region is demanding an increase in the assistance amount, interest-free loans and the construction of sea walls for coastal protection. The strongest wind in the state on Sunday was recorded in the western part of Wayanad. The wind speed was 61 kmph here. The wind speed was 57 kmph in Ponmudi and 41 kmph in Vellayani.

A major disaster was averted when a tree fell onto the railway track in Kollam. The tree fell just moments before Vanchinad Express was to pass through the same tracks. The tree fell on the power line and caught fire. The extent of the accident was reduced because the gatekeepers on duty immediately informed the station master and blocked the signals for other trains to pass. The authorities should take immediate action to cut down all the tree branches deemed dangerous near the railway line. Similarly, action should be taken to help the farmers whose crops have been damaged in the rain fury.