Summer rains claim life of 17-year-old, widespread damages in Kochi

KOCHI: There were widespread damages in various parts of Ernakulam in the rain that lashed the district yesterday. Although it brought relief from the intense summer heat, power was disrupted in many places and houses and vehicles were damaged.

Heavy crop damages were reported in Angamaly and Muvattupuzha areas. Trees like rubber, cocoa, nutmeg and other vegetables were extensively damaged. A loss of lakhs has been reported in Muvattupuzha alone. Revenue authorities will conduct an inspection to check the figures.

Meantime, two 17-year-old students who went to bathe at the Vallikada ghat near Muvattupuzha Avoly went missing after being swept away by the currents. Ashwin and Chris, who went to bathe after their catering work met with the accident. The body of Ashwin was found near the ghat where the accident occurred. A search is being intensified by the fire force and scuba team to find Chris.