Kochi Faces Severe Waterlogging as Heavy Rain Continues; Corporation's Pre-Monsoon Preparation Failures Draw protests

Kochi: Kochi city is under severe waterlogging and faces the threat of communicable disease outbreaks as heavy rain continues across Ernakulam district, which is under an orange alert today. Though rainfall intensity has eased slightly, residents in low-lying areas, riverbanks, and fishing communities have been advised to remain on high alert as strong rain is expected to continue in the coming hours.

Civic failure is widely blamed for the severity of the flooding. The Corporation's practice of dumping waste and silt removed from drains and canals along roadsides — rather than disposing of it properly — has worsened the crisis. When rain intensifies, the dumped material flows back into the drains, blocking water channels and causing roads to remain waterlogged far longer than in previous years. Areas where Metro Phase 2 construction is underway are posing additional difficulties for pedestrians and two-wheeler riders.

The prolonged waterlogging has raised serious public health concerns over the spread of communicable diseases. DYFI staged a protest march to the Kochi Corporation office against the civic body's failure, with protesters accusing the current UDF-led administration of complete incompetence and the Mayor of running away from accountability. Residents are demanding urgent intervention from both the Corporation and government agencies.