Sat May 31 04:00:00 UTC 2025: **Summary:**

Heavy rains have been disrupting life in Kochi and Ernakulam for eight consecutive days. Major canals are exceeding flood levels, raising concerns about potential flooding. The Vivekananda Canal poses a significant threat, and water is being diverted to the partially restored Mullasserry Canal, which might worsen the situation. Areas near the Ernakulam South railway station and other central locations are experiencing waterlogging. Desilting efforts are hampered by the ongoing rain. Coastal areas like Chellanam are facing a double whammy of heavy rain and high tides, with many households threatened by water intrusion. City areas are also affected due to inadequate desilting of major canals, and the situation is expected to worsen in the coming months.

**News Article:**

**Kochi Drowning: Unrelenting Rains Unleash Havoc in Ernakulam**

**KOCHI, INDIA – May 31, 2025** – Kochi and the surrounding Ernakulam district are reeling under the relentless assault of heavy rains, now in their eighth consecutive day. Residents are facing widespread disruption and property damage as major canals breach flood levels, sparking fears of extensive flooding.

The Vivekananda Canal is of particular concern, with authorities scrambling to divert water to the Mullasserry Canal, despite the latter’s restoration being only 80% complete. However, authorities fear the influx of water may overwhelm the newly rebuilt channel.

Waterlogging has been reported across the city, including key areas near Ernakulam South railway station, the KSRTC bus stand, and Vivekananda Road. The ongoing rain has also hampered desilting efforts on canals, jeopardizing the safety of workers.

Coastal communities in Chellanam are bearing the brunt of the disaster. “Almost half of the 3,000 households between Puthenthodu and Beach Road are threatened by water intrusion, with 300 already affected,” stated V.T. Sebastian, general convenor of the Chellanam-Kochi Janakeeya Vedhi.

Congress councillor M.G. Aristitle criticized the lack of adequate desilting of major canals, stating, “The failure to de-silt and deepen major canals… has affected areas in its immediate neighborhood. Things are likely to turn worse during the next three months.” The immediate focus is providing aid to the affected and trying to bolster the newly restored Mullasserry canal to be able to handle the excess water.

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