Panic-stricken locals take out ire on village office

Alappuzha, Jun 6 (UNI) Panicking over strong waves repeatedly slamming the shore, people today forcibly closed the Arattupuzha Village Office in protest against officials' ''failure'' to tackle the situation.

Backed by the CPM-affiliated Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI), they raised slogans against the local revenue officials.

The situation was brought under control only after senior revenue officials rushed to the area and assured the people that action would be taken against the officials in case of any lapses.

Meanwhile, the coastal panchayat areas of Valiayazheekkal and Arattupuzha in this district are still bearing the brunt of the sea waves.

A major portion of the land separating the sea from the backwater was being eroded by the strong waves.

According to the local people, nearly 50 houses had been destroyed and several coconut trees fallen in the last two days.Senior revenue officials were camping in the area.

UNI