Fishermen and fish farmers in flood-hit areas of the district have sustained losses to the tune of ₹16.10 crore.
Many are unable to pursue their livelihood owing to damaged fishing boats. The estimate of losses in the fisheries sector is being collected through the office of the Fisheries Deputy Director.
Around 150 houses belonging to fishing workers were damaged completely and 270 partially while 380 families lost all valuable possessions. Seventy-one fishing vessels and 552 fishing nets were rendered useless. Fish farming on 578.10 hectares was hit, inflicting loss of ₹8.70 crore.
The floods badly hit the fishermen and fishing workers in Puthenvelikkara, Chennamangalam, Kochuthuruth, Kottayil Kovilakam, Kadamkkudy, Koonammavu, Thattampady, Vellottupuram, Pattanam, Ezhikkara, Chittattukara, Eloor, Ayiroor, Vadakkekkara, Alangad, Kongorpilli, Edayar, Muppathadam, Panayikkulam, Methala, Manjali, Neerikkodu, Thuruthippuram, Moothakunnam, Cherai, Kunjithai, Koottukadu, Chakkamassery, Vadakkumpuram, Paliamthuruth, Karimbadam, Kumaramangalam, Kuthiyathodu, Pazhamppillithuruth, Gothuruth, Kottayil, and Thekkumppuram among other areas. Many fish farmers lost their farms and cages as fish were washed away in the floodwaters.
Around 250 fishing boats had participated in the rescue mission following the request of the district administration. The boats were brought to the rescue sites via road from Kalamukku and Chellanam harbours. Fishermen numbering 879 from Chellanam, Njarakkal, Vypeen, Elamkunnapuzha, Pallippuram and Nayarambalam rescued 25,184 stranded persons.
