Summer showers destroy properties, crops in Coimbatore, Krishnagiri

Coimbatore/Krishnagiri: A sudden spell of heavy summer showers accompanied by stormy wind wreaked havoc in parts of Krishnagiri and Coimbatore districts on Thursday evening. Damages to properties were reported in Coimbatore, which was hit by hailstorms as well, while banana plantations were destroyed in Krishnagiri.The worst impact was reported in Melumalai village near Sulagiri in Krishnagiri district, where a banana plantation spread over two acres was completely destroyed. The plantation belonged to N Anbarasan, 48, a disabled farmer. It was his sole source of livelihood. Speaking to TOI, Anbarasan said, "I had cultivated more than 2,000 banana plants. They were in excellent condition and ready for harvest in the next 45 days. The heavy wind and rain, which lasted for about an hour, toppled every single tree." Anbarasan estimated the current market value of his damaged crop at approximately Rs8 lakh. "I have spent nearly Rs4 lakh on growing these plants so far. Now, I wouldn't even be able to recover my investment. It is a massive financial blow." While wildlife like deer and wild boar usually cause minor damages to the standing crops in the area, which is close to the forest, Anbarasan noted that a disaster of this scale was unprecedented in recent years. Several other small-scale banana farmers, who were growing 400-500 plants, in the locality also reported losses, though none were as severe as that of Anbarasan. The affected farmers have urged the district administration to disburse compensation for the lost crops at the earliest. An official source stated while inspections had not been conducted as on Friday, teams would be dispatched within the next two days to assess the intensity of damage. Meanwhile, Coimbatore recorded 130mm of rainfall on Thursday night. In the Teachers Colony area of Mettupalayam, roofing sheets of several houses were blown away in the ghastly wind. Electricity poles and trees were uprooted at Karamadai and near a govt school at Thudiyalur. Most of the uprooted trees were cleared from the roads by Friday morning. Areas such as Narasimhanaickenpalayam, Thadagam and Somayanur witnessed hailstones. Fortunately, no casualties were reported in the incident. The India Meteorological Department has forecast light to moderate rain with thunderstorms and lightning for several districts, including Coimbatore, Krishnagiri, and the Nilgiris, through the weekend. Unseasonal summer rain on Friday, meanwhile, brought much-needed relief to the residents of Sanarpatti, Gopalpatti and Periya Malaiyur in Dindigul district, easing the intense heat. Brief spells of rain lowered temperatures and refreshed parched farmlands, lifting public mood. Similarly, several parts of Madurai city received a light shower with thunder. Thiruvengadam and Sankarankovil areas in Tenkasi district received mild rain on Thursday. Many trees were uprooted at Ambasmundram in Tirunelveli district, which received a brief spell of rain accompanied by strong wind.
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