The summer showers, which brought cheer to the citizens, are expected to continue for the next two to three days.
Researchers of the Centre for Advanced Atmospheric Radar Research at Cochin University of Science and Technology said that State-wide thunder showers, with lighting are expected till Saturday. Rainfall to the tune of 1 cm per 24 hours is expected at times over the central and southern districts and over the eastern hilly region. The maximum and minimum temperatures would be around 35 degree celsius and 25 degree celsius respectively, the release said.
The heavy rain that lashed the city provided relief to Kochiites reeling under sweltering heat.
A cool breeze and overcast sky by afternoon brought smiles to the citizens, who had been eagerly waiting for the summer showers.
Many parts of Ernakulam received heavy rain even by 5 p.m. even as many places got inundated owing to the poor drainage system and choked canals.
The city’s traffic was hit after vehicles had to slow down at many places in view of the water stagnation in these regions. Water got stagnated in areas like M. G. Road, Menaka, Ernakulam South Railway station, Maharajas’ College and General Hospital premises.
The summer showers also exposed the poor drainage system in many parts of the city. It also revealed the lack of proper maintenance of the canals in the city, leading to flooding in several areas.
Fire Force personnel had a tough time as they received many calls of trees falling over power lines and on cars. The officials of the Club Road station rushed to High Court junction and M. G. Road after trees fell over cars parked in these spots.
Nobody was injured in the incident.
Fire tenders from the Gandhinagar station were also rushed to a few areas that reported tree felling.
Power supply got snapped in many regions following the summer showers. It was restored after several hours in some areas.
Work was progressing in certain regions during the night, especially where trees fell over electric lines.