A tragic incident in Kodenchery, Kozhikode, Kerala, has claimed the lives of two young siblings, Nithin Biju, aged 13, and Ivin Biju, aged 11. The brothers were electrocuted on Sunday evening while fishing in a local stream, Arakkalpadi Thodu in Memadam Padi, near their home.
The incident occurred around 6:30 PM amidst heavy rainfall and strong winds that have been battering the region. A teak tree branch, weakened by the incessant rain, broke off and fell onto an electric wire. The impact caused the wire to snap and fall into the waterlogged stream where the boys were fishing, instantly electrocuting them.
Local residents, hearing the commotion, rushed to the scene and immediately alerted the fire brigade and police. Authorities swiftly responded, cutting off the power supply to the affected line before retrieving the children from the stream. The boys were rushed to a nearby private hospital in Kodenchery, but were declared dead on arrival.
The deaths have cast a pall of gloom over Kodenchery. Nithin was a student of St John's High School, Nellippoyil, while Ivin attended St Joseph's High School, Kodenchery. Their father, Biju Chandran Kunnel, works as a fish seller.
Kerala has been experiencing heavy monsoon rains, prompting the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) to issue red alerts for 11 out of the 14 districts on Monday, May 26th. Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, and Alappuzha districts are under an orange alert. The heavy rains have resulted in uprooted trees, damage to houses and vehicles, and overflowing rivers, leading to the relocation of some families in affected areas like Wayanad. An NDRF team has been deployed to Wayanad to assist with rescue and relief efforts.
In light of the severe weather conditions, District Collectors in Kozhikode, Wayanad, Idukki, Kannur, Kasaragod, Thrissur, Ernakulam, Pathanamthitta, Kottayam, and Malappuram have declared a holiday for all educational institutions, including professional colleges, Anganwadis, Madrasas and tuition centers. Pre-scheduled exams, however, will proceed as planned.
The incident serves as a reminder of the dangers posed by extreme weather events and the importance of taking necessary precautions, especially near electrical installations. Authorities are investigating the incident to determine the exact cause and prevent similar tragedies in the future. The local community is mourning the loss of the two young lives.
