Team to study Idukki hailstorm

The government has deputed a high-level team under the auspices of the Disaster Management Department to study the unusual hailstorm that caused considerable damage to houses and crops at Chekuthanmala at Anavilasam near Kumily in Idukki district on Saturday.

Revenue Minister K.P. Rajendran said the team would consist of G. Mohan Kumar, scientist, Centre for Earth Science Studies; Ajith Chacko, UNDP State Project Officer at the Disaster Management Authority; and programme coordinator Ramesh Krishnan. They would visit the hill area soon.

The Minister said the Idukki Collector had been asked to rush assistance to those who had suffered losses and submit a detailed report on the damage.