Thiruvananthapuram : Rising from southeast Arabian sea, Cyclone Tauktae wrecked widespread devastation and sea erosion in state on Saturday. And though the cyclone that intensified into severe cyclone has moved past Kerala, the ripple effect continues to lash through scarily. The Meteorological Department has warned of damaging aftereffects to loom on Sunday too. Two persons died of drowning in Ernakulam and Kozhikode. A fishing boat that left Kochi coasts sank close to Lakshadweep with 8 onboard now missing. The boat belonged to a Tamil Native.
Severe storm from seas were witnessed in 9 districts leaving hundreds of houses submerged in its trail. Several other homes were eroded by the sea. Trees uprooted at several places disrupting electricity and blocking thoroughfare on roads.
Rains Intensify
Rainfall in 2 two days alone measured to 145.5 mm. Kochi Naval Base received 209 mm rains in just 24 hours while Perumedu received 208 mm, Kondungalur 200 mm and Ernakulam South 170.8 mm rains during that period. Residents have been warned of floods at Achan Kovil river. There are currently 1934 people from 502 families sheltered across 68 relief camps. Orange alert(severe rains) has been issued for districts of Ernakulam, Idukki and Malappuram. Fishing has been prohibited from Kerala coasts.
Will Reach Gujarat Shorelines on 18th
Cyclone Tauktae is expected to touch down Gujarat by noon on the 18th. Passing though Prbunder, Nalia, and Niangal the cyclonic winds would assume speeds up to 175 km per hour. According to latest reports, winds of speed 250 and 650 kmph are lashing through Panaji and Mumbai respectively.
Water in Dams at Half Levels Only
3rd stage alert(red) issued for dams of Kallarkatti and Muzhaar while it is 2nd phase(orange) alert for Malankara dam. Elsewhere, water at limited levels are being released from dams of Neyyar, Kuttadi, Karapuzha, Shivani, Kallada, Kanjirapuzha, Peechi, Maniyar, Bhuthathankettu, Mulathara. Meanwhile water levels at state’s major dams are only up to half-mark. Water levels at KSEB’s dams are filled up to 32 percent capacity.
