As many as 37 houses were destroyed in a strong whirlwind that lashed certain parts of Kodencherry grama panchayat in the district on Thursday. As many as 44 houses were damaged and crops in nearly 25 hectares of land were destroyed.
Besides property loss, nine persons suffered injuries. Strong winds lashed several areas, including Chembukadavu, Kalappuram and Vencherry, around 5 a.m. on Thursday. The injured persons have been admitted to the Thamarassery Government Hospital.
The wind lasted for two minutes. Power supply was disrupted as transmission lines snapped. Giant trees and electric posts were uprooted in several locations.
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Thirty-two families, who suffered huge losses in the calamity, were shifted to two temporary relief camps at Chembukadavu. Minister for Panchayats M.K. Muneer, District Collector C.A. Latha and people’s representatives, including C. Moyinkutty and V.M. Ummer, MLAs, visited the area and reviewed the relief measures. The team promised all support on the part of the government for the victims. As the incident took place early in the morning, the rescue operations were mainly carried out by the residents. Grama panchayat presidents of nearby local bodies coordinated the activities. Later, the Fire and Rescue Services personnel and the police joined them. As per Revenue Department figures, the total loss is estimated at Rs.1.14 crore. In agriculture sector alone, the loss is around Rs.60 lakh.
Minister for Scheduled Castes A.P. Anil Kumar and Minister for Scheduled Tribes P.K. Jayalakshmi will visit the whirlwind-hit areas on Friday.