House collapses in Kadamakkudy, family escapes unhurt

Kochi: A house collapsed due to strong winds at Pizhala in Kadamakkudy on Sunday morning. The incident occurred around 6am and the occupants managed to escape moments before the structure came down after hearing a loud cracking sound. The old house, which was already in a poor condition, belonged to Aravindakshan and his wife Hema C A of Mulampilly, in ward 10 of Kadamakkudy grama panchayat. According to panchayat officials, family members were inside the house when they heard a loud sound and rushed out, narrowly avoiding injury. “I had woken up when I heard a loud cracking sound. I alerted my family, and we all came out of the house before a portion of it collapsed. We were already struggling to repay our children’s education loans, and this incident has made our situation even worse. We do not know what to do next,” said Hema. The family includes the couple’s son Surya, who is pursuing chartered accountancy studies, and daughter Thara, a Class VII student. Aravindakshan, an autorickshaw driver, has been unable to work regularly following physical ailments caused by an accident, while Hema works as a member of the Haritha Karma Sena, panchayat officials said. Hema said she and her family were moving into a temporary accommodation arranged by the panchayat on Sunday night. “The family is in urgent need of assistance, including temporary rehabilitation and housing support. Though they are beneficiaries under govt’s LIFE housing scheme, they have been unable to construct a house due to financial difficulties and Aravindakshan’s inability to work after the accident,” said panchayat president M S Antony. The panchayat has sought immediate intervention from the state govt to help the family construct a permanent house at the earliest.