Unprecedented Cyclonic Circulation Triggers Severe Flooding in Thiruvananthapuram

Thiruvananthapuram faced severe flooding due to unexpected cyclonic circulation, defying all predictions. Relentless heavy rains pounded the state capital for a staggering twelve hours, resulting in a flood-like crisis. The Technopark area was submerged, leaving people stranded in hostels, houses, and university campuses. Fortunately, rescue operations were conducted by brave firefighters and fishermen, employing boats to evacuate those trapped.

The flooding wreaked havoc across the city, submerging vital institutions such as hospitals, schools, and the KSEB’s 110 KV sub-station at Kazhakoottam. Widespread power outages ensued, disrupting essential services, including the operations at VSSC. Roads were inundated, causing significant traffic disruptions, and bridges were submerged as rivers overflowed.

The impact extended to the transportation sector, with the Kochuveli station submerged, causing a seven-hour delay for the Kerala Express and other trains. Waterlogging plagued areas under construction for the National Highway. Houses and institutions were flooded, leading to multiple wall collapses. The Thettiyar, Amayizhanchan, and Parvati Puthanaar rivers overflowed, inundating the city and causing substantial damage to residences. Additionally, rural areas suffered agricultural losses, with acres of crops destroyed.

Amid the crisis, several families found refuge in 21 relief camps, where 875 people were relocated. Key government officials, including Ministers K. Rajan, V. Sivankutty, Antony Raju, and G. R. Anil, visited the affected regions to assess the situation.

The flooding took a toll on healthcare facilities as well, with the Cosmopolitan Hospital’s ground floor completely submerged. Efforts were made to shift the bodies from the flooded morgue to another hospital. The hospital faced power supply disruptions, necessitating the use of generators for essential operations. Moreover, vital medical supplies, including blood and equipment in the blood bank, were destroyed.

The meteorological data indicated an astonishing 595.7 mm of rainfall within twelve hours, far surpassing the threshold for a red alert, which is declared when there’s a possibility of over 204 mm of rain. The excessive rainfall was attributed to a cyclone formed over the South East Arabian Sea.

In response to the alarming situation, the Central Water Commission issued an orange alert for the Karamana river and a yellow alert for Neyyar and Vamanapuram rivers. Coastal residents were urged to exercise caution. Furthermore, several districts, including Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, and Idukki, were placed on orange alert, while others were on yellow alert. The cyclone over the Arabian Sea and Lakshadweep was expected to transform into a low-pressure system, moving west and northwest.

In light of the crisis, the District Collector declared a holiday for all educational institutions, including professional colleges, in Thiruvananthapuram district. Kerala University also postponed all examinations, including practical exams scheduled for that day.