A house collapsed due to strong winds at Pizhala in Kadamakkudy on Sunday morning, leaving a family in distress but miraculously unharmed. The incident occurred around 6 am when the occupants, alerted by a loud cracking sound, managed to escape moments before the structure came down.
Details of the Incident
The old house, already in a dilapidated condition, belonged to Aravindakshan and his wife Hema C A of Mulampilly, located in ward 10 of Kadamakkudy grama panchayat. According to panchayat officials, the family was inside when they heard a loud noise 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.
Family Background
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 due to physical ailments caused by an accident, while Hema works as a member of the Haritha Karma Sena, panchayat officials said.
Hema stated that she and her family were moving into temporary accommodation arranged by the panchayat on Sunday night.
Urgent Need for Assistance
“The family is in urgent need of assistance, including temporary rehabilitation and housing support. Though they are beneficiaries under the government’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 government to help the family construct a permanent house at the earliest. The incident highlights the vulnerability of families living in substandard housing, especially during adverse weather conditions.
