Part 1- Anjuthengu shore ravaged by the sea.Yesudas William Nautical Times Kerala
The view of the shores northwards from Muthalappozhi is shocking and fearsome. It seemed that the Tsunami waves have wrecked havoc there. Hundreds of houses, large and small, lies damaged. Waves lashes at those houses partly submerged in the sand. This is the tragic pictures of Anguthengu, Poonthura and Thazhampally which are know as fishwealthy.There were houses and huts in front of these partially damaged houses. The rage of the sea has not left of a trace of them. The people left their homes collecting whatever they got hold of when the monster waves came lashing in the midnight. No one knows where their houses have gone. It was when the COVID pandemic struck the sea also struck. The waves just licked away the houses in the night. The sea which become furious by mid July devastated the shores completely by 20th. There were no relief camps as the pandemic was in full fury.Some people have taken shelter in their kins houses and rented places. There are few people who couldn’t find a place to settle. They are still left at sea. Felsica still lives in her partially damaged house fearing without knowing that when the sea is going to strike next. Her name has been found a place in the list of Government’s rehabiitation scheme. But she doesn’t know whether she can live in her house till the promised house materialize.The tragedies came lashing at this coast. When tragedies come they come in galore. The rage of the sea is still unabated. The shore was just like football grounds where thousands of fibre boats beached. It was a golden beach. The sea was rich with the fish wealthy. Thousands of fisher folk used to go into the sea from here for their daily catch.For unknown reasons the fishermen didn’t prosper. Spread of COVID, sea erosion and the subsequent joblessness haunted the shoremen.Those people, men and women asked me to report their plight to the Government. They have applied for new houses under the LIFE scheme. They are now settled in their kith and kin’s verandahs and outhouses which are just shanties.The houses here were situated right on top of the sea walls, we have to presumes. Those huge boulders used to construct the sea wall lie scattered in the sand. Lone dogs wait in the shadows of the decimated houses, awaiting their masters. A big structure lies stilted in the sea. This was the remmants of the fish landing center and the auction hall inaugurated during last government’s tenure. At that time the sea was far away. But nowadays the waves lashes above them. There are still houses left behind it . Those huge constructions are giving them a cover.Beyond those two lines of houses lies the coastal road till Kollam. If the sea intrudes at this rate the backwaters will be inundated by the sea within no time. But the fishermen testify that this coast was a safe and secure place to beach their vessels and go for fishing. But nowadays if is a fearful experience to them. Sudden waves upturn their vessels. Last month the monster waves took the lives of six fishermen. All those calamities happened close to the shore. This brings bad omen in the minds of fisherfolk. How this tranquil bay became a death trap to the fishermen? Is it is because of the construction of the fishing harbour or the changes in sea’s pattern ? The locals swear that it is all because of the unscientific constructions done here.
