After flood and intense heat, wind shakes up Kerala's disaster roster

Strong wind caused surge in accidents, including uprooting of trees & damage to property

- SHAINU MOHAN @T'Puram

STRONG winds are emerging as a major disaster in the state after floods, landslides and extreme heat and rain events. The early onset of the southwest monsoon, marked by 60-70-km-per-hour westerly winds, has left a trail of destruction across the state. The strong winds have led to a surge in weather-related incidents, including uprooted trees and damaged property.

Emergency response teams, including that of the Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) and the Fire and Rescue Services, have been operating round-the-clock to manage the crisis. Fallen trees and power lines have disrupted transportation and electricity supply in many areas, while residential and commercial properties have suffered structural damage. KSEB has suffered a ₹126-crore loss from rain- and wind-related havoc across the state.