Man’s Close Call as Car Swept Away in Kerala Rains
In a hair-raising incident during Kerala’s relentless monsoon, a man narrowly escaped death after his car was swept away by powerful currents on a submerged bridge near Kothamangalam. The event, which took place on Tuesday morning, highlights the severe dangers posed by the ongoing heavy rains and flooding in the state.
Eyewitness Account of the Terrifying Ordeal
Eyewitnesses reported that Suresh Kumar, 42, was attempting to cross the bridge over the Periyar River when his vehicle was caught in the surging waters. The bridge, already submerged due to incessant rainfall, had turned into a hazardous passage as the river overflowed its banks. Kumar’s car was dragged several meters downstream before he managed to escape through the window and swim to safety.
“It was a miracle he survived,” said a local resident who witnessed the incident. “The water was rising rapidly, and the current was incredibly strong. We were all shouting at him to stop, but it was too late. Within seconds, the car was swept away.”
Survivor’s Story and Aftermath
Kumar, shaken but unharmed, was rescued by locals and taken to a nearby hospital for a medical check-up. Recounting the ordeal, he said, “I didn’t realize how dangerous it was until it was too late. The water suddenly rose, and the car just started floating. I thought I wouldn’t make it out alive.”
Monsoon Warnings and Safety Concerns
The incident has reignited concerns about road and bridge safety during Kerala’s monsoon season. Authorities have repeatedly urged residents to avoid flooded areas, but such warnings are often ignored. “People underestimate the power of water,” said a senior official from the Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA). “Even a few inches of moving water can sweep away a vehicle. We urge everyone to stay indoors and avoid unnecessary travel during heavy rains.”
Kerala’s Monsoon Crisis and Ongoing Challenges
Kothamangalam, already struggling with waterlogging and landslides, has been severely affected by this year’s monsoon. Low-lying areas have been inundated, displacing hundreds of families. The state government has deployed disaster response teams, but the scale of the crisis remains overwhelming.
Meteorological experts attribute the heavy rainfall to the southwest monsoon and localized weather systems. Over the past week, Kerala has received more than double its average rainfall, leading to widespread flooding. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for several districts, warning of more heavy rains in the coming days.
A Call for Better Preparedness
As Kerala battles another monsoon crisis, the incident near Kothamangalam underscores the need for improved infrastructure and public awareness. While the state has made progress in disaster management since the 2018 floods, questions remain about the adequacy of safety measures.
For now, Suresh Kumar is grateful to be alive. “I’m just thankful I survived,” he said. “But I hope this serves as a warning to others. Don’t take risks during the rains. It’s not worth it.”
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