THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Coastal families in Valiyathura are living on the edge — quite literally — as ferocious sea waves continue to swallow homes, land, and livelihoods.
Alphonsa, a local resident, watched helplessly as her daughter Raji’s house was rendered uninhabitable in Thoppu, a stretch where sea wall construction hasn’t yet begun. “Waves reached my gate. My daughter’s compound and toilet were washed away. How long until my home is next?” she asked, visibly shaken.
The fury of the Arabian Sea claimed 8 feet of compound in just three days, said Jerome, Raji’s father-in-law. Despite repeated pleas, the family claims they received no timely support or relocation assistance.
In nearby Shankhumukham, waves threaten small businesses too. Local shopkeeper Susemariya said waves now rise above his roof. “Several homes nearby are already half-eaten,” he added.
However, ward councillor Seraphine Fredy drew criticism with her remarks blaming residents for delaying evacuation and “expecting everything from the government.” She defended the temporary sea wall project, saying clay and manpower were being provided, and delays were being addressed.
In Beemapally and Poonthura, similar destruction has occurred, confirmed a fisheries department official.
According to the Pettah village office, this is the third wave of destruction in recent years. Though some have shifted, many stay due to fishing proximity and intermittent risk.
Relief is promised soon: Punargeham project flats for 332 families at Muttathara will be inaugurated by the CM on June 27, said state coordinator Anilkumar S.
But residents like Molly remain skeptical. “They took our names two years ago. The sea still takes our homes every day,” she said, as a wave crashed behind her.