The incessant rain that lashed a large part of Palakkad district in the last two days have left a trail of destruction as reports of extensive damage to crops are pouring in from areas including the otherwise rain-shadow Attappady region.
According to District Collector P. Marikutty, as many as 278 houses were partially damaged in the rain. However, no casualty has been reported so far. As per preliminary reports from various village offices, the crop loss was worth Rs 1.5 crore.
The rain in the last two days, accompanied by strong winds, has dashed the hopes of many farmers, mainly in Eastern Attappady where there are a lot of banana plantations.
The water-level has increased in Bharathapuzha and its tributaries. The standing paddy crops have been damaged with some places reporting rainwater flooding the fields.
According to the District Collector, crops were totally damaged in 12.13 hectares. As uprooted trees fell widely on electric lines, supply was disrupted in many parts.
Power supply hit
Eastern Attappady is devoid of electricity for the last 48 hours as the damage was rampant. As per initial estimates, KSEB suffered a loss of Rs. 70 lakh in Attappady alone.
“The damage is widespread. Banana plantations and arecanut groves have suffered badly. Power supply is yet to be restored. Old-timers say it was the heaviest rain in the last 15 years,” says Tedy, a farmer in Attappady. Crops were damaged widely in Kallamala and Ommala areas of Attappady.
Rain has also damaged vegetable cultivations in Elavanchery and Vithinassery in Chittur Taluk.
Paddy was damaged in both Chittur and Thathamangalam after water-level in Shokanasini river increased.
Source - http://www.thehindu.com/
