One killed, another missing; Monsoon lessens its fury

Thiruvananthapuram, July 8 (UNI) One person was killed, another went missing and four others were injured when their country boat capsized at Pallikkara in Kasargode district today, even as the South West Monsoon lessened its fury over Kerala.

The South West Monsoon which had played havoc for the past two weeks lessened its fury today even as the toll in rain related incidents stood at 110.

Ravindran (35) was killed and Pradeepan (24) went missing in the rough seas when they ventured out in the seas for fishing, sources said. Navy's help was sought for tracing the missing person. The four injured were admitted to a private hospital at Khanjangad.

About 14 houses were completely destroyed and 492 houses damaged in the incessant rains in the last 24 hrs, they said. A total of 264 houses were completely destroyed and about 21,500 houses damaged in the rains till now, they said.

Meanwhile, people started to leave the relief camps. There were about 900 people in the 11 camps across the state. Last week there were about 1,000 people in the camps The people living in the coastal areas heaved a sigh of relief as the rough sea seemed to be calmer today. No sea erosion was reported from any coastal area.

However, the local Met office had warned of strong winds from the westerly direction with a speed of 45/55 along the Kerala coast and lakshwadeep. Monsoon was not vigorous and a highest of five cm of rainfall was recorded at Koilandi, it said.

Kozhikode and Kochi airport received a rainfall of four cm followed by Kannur, Manjeri, Karipur airport, Thrissur and Alappuzha -- three cm each.

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