Strong Sea Surge Disrupts Life in Alappuzha Coastal Areas

Alappuzha: Strong sea erosion has disrupted normal life in the Arattupuzha and Thrikkunnapuzha panchayats of Alappuzha district. The sea surges occurred around 2 am on Sunday. Areas where the sea wall is weak have been particularly affected.

The Valiazheekal–Thrikkunnapuzha coastal road has been covered with sand at several places, disrupting traffic. The stretch north of Perumbally Junction was particularly affected, with vehicles getting stuck in the sand. Vehicles were allowed to pass after the sand was removed from the road using an excavator. Several stretches of the road from Arattupuzha AC Palli Junction to Karthika Junction were also covered with sand.

The sea surge was severe in Vattachal, Valiazheekal, Azhikode Nagar, Kallikkad Shivaji Nagar, Meeshamukku, south of AKG Nagar, Pathisheril Junction and Mangalam.

The sea erosion also affected the Chelakkad-Kattasheri area in wards 12 and 13 of Thrikkunnapuzha and the Kizhakkathusheri area. The partially damaged Mathukal-Chelakkad coastal road was completely covered with sand, bringing traffic to a standstill.

Seawater flowed eastward after crossing the coastal road, causing further difficulties for people who had relocated. Seawater has accumulated on the western side of the road and in residential compounds.

Local residents have demanded that measures to protect the coast be taken on a war footing.