A sombre mood prevailed in the coastal areas of the district on Tuesday as rescue efforts in the wake of the cyclonic storm Ockhi entered the sixth day. The mood was in stark contrast to the widespread protests that rocked the coast until a day ago.
Many people, especially women and children, who are awaiting the return of their dear ones offered prayers at churches and kept vigil along the seashore at various places, including Vizhinjam and Poonthura.
Frustration was palpable among many who felt that their needs had been neglected by the authorities. Albert, a fisherman from Poonthura, said the livelihood of the fishing community had been seriously affected. “There is destruction all around. Many of those who were with us until recently have gone missing. Our boats and equipment have been destroyed. But, the government is yet to fulfil its promises. We have not received any of the promised assistance, including free ration,” he said.
Thirty-year-old Ratheesh of Pulluvila, who was being treated at the Thiruvananthapuram Government Medical College Hospital, succumbed to his injuries at 5.50 a.m. on Tuesday. He had been brought to the hospital in an unconscious state on Wednesday and had been under treatment at the Critical Care Unit.
A total of 34 rescued fishermen are currently under treatment at the hospital. As many as six patients were discharged on Tuesday.
The condition of 42-year-old Michael of Poonthura remained critical. Being treated at the Trauma Care Intensive Care Unit (ICU), he has been kept on ventilator support. Pulluvila native Wilfred is under treatment at the Orthopedic ICU.
Bodies identified
Two more bodies kept at the mortuary have been identified. They as Jayan, 40, of Vizhinjam, and Joseph of Pulluvila who was identified through DNA test. Nine bodies at the hospital that are yet to be identified.
