Heavy rain, gusty winds wreak havoc in capital

The capital city as well as its suburbs witnessed rain-related disruptions and damage on Thursday as high-speed winds accompanied by heavy rain continued to wreak havoc in the early monsoons.

Traffic was disrupted in several stretches as uprooted trees and branches fell on the road in places including Ulloor, Kowdiar, Kadakkavoor, and Kazhakuttam. At Ulloor and Kowdiar, tree branches fell on parked vehicles, while in Kattakada a tree fell on a moving KSRTC bus, causing injuries to eleven people including the conductor.

Train traffic was disrupted in the Kollam- Thiruvananthapuram route after trees fell on the track in Kazhakuttam and Kadakkavoor. Although the obstructions were removed, the traffic was yet to be restored when reports last came in, as the work on restoration of the overhead traction power lines were on going. Over 10 trains were held up for hours at various points in the Kollam-Thiruvananthapuram section, causing difficulties to commuters.

Power disruptions were reported from various electrical sections of the Kerala State Electricity Board in the district. Most of the fire and rescue personnel as well as vehicles from the fire stations in the city were on the ground throughout the evening and late into the night to remove the traffic as well as power disruptions caused by fallen trees and branches. The district administration has till now shifted 11 persons to two relief camps in the capital.