Heavy summer showers accompanied by thunderstorms and gusty winds have caused widespread damage in Ernakulam district this year, with the number of houses damaged in rain-related incidents recording a sharp increase compared to the corresponding period last year.
According to data from the District Emergency Operations Centre (DEOC), 201 houses were damaged in the district between March 1 and May 17 this year, including three that were fully destroyed and 198 that suffered partial damage.
During the same period in 2025, only 15 houses had reported partial damage, with no cases of complete destruction. Though the data covers three months, most of the damage occurred towards the end of April and in May, when intense summer showers lashed the district.
On May 14 alone, around 100 houses in and around Piravom were damaged. Heavy rain and gusty winds also caused widespread damage in eastern regions, including Aluva and Kothamangalam, during the third week of April.
Intense summer rain this year has led to uprooting of trees, waterlogging, and damage to houses and agricultural land in many parts of the State.
The agriculture sector in Ernakulam has also suffered major losses due to the summer showers. Preliminary estimates show that crops across 2,306.62 hectares were damaged between March 1 and May 18 this year, causing losses estimated at ₹6.92 crore. A total of 18,521 farmers in the district were affected.
Farmers in the Perumbavoor region reported the highest losses, with banana and other crops spread across 330.52 hectares damaged. The losses are estimated at ₹18.38 crore.
In comparison, crop losses reported during the corresponding period last year covered 7,603.48 hectares, with estimated damages of ₹36.73 crore. Officials pointed out that the 2025 figures may also include losses caused by the southwest monsoon, which had set in over the State on May 24, eight days ahead of the normal onset date.
“Village officers are carrying out assessments, and due compensation will be paid to the affected parties,” District Collector G. Priyanka said.
Published - May 22, 2026 12:49 am IST
Source: The Hindu - India News
