Kochi: 1.35cr liter capacity water tank bursts, houses flooded

A massive drinking water tank, belonging to the Kerala Water Authority in Kochi, Kerala, burst early on Monday morning, flooding nearby homes. The incident took place around 2:00am near the Kuthappady Temple in Thammanam, Onmanorama reported. No casualties have been reported so far. The tank had a storage capacity of 1.35 crore liters and was over four decades old. The tank's burst released a huge amount of water into homes behind the reservoir, damaging walls and parts of several structures. Vehicles such as autorickshaws and two-wheelers were also swept away in the flood. Residents were shocked to see stones, mud, and slush being brought into their homes by the force of the water. The flooding also reached the Kochi Corporation Primary Family Health Centre in Thammanam, damaging stocks of medicines. However, health officials confirmed that computers and major medical equipment were not damaged in the incident. Initial assessments indicate that age-related deterioration could be a major reason for the structural failure of this over 40-year-old tank. According to reports, the reservoir had two chambers, and one chamber's wall collapsed. Authorities have started assessing household losses due to this incident. Drinking water supply in many parts of the Kochi Corporation limits has been disrupted as a result, including in Tripunithura and Pettah. Fortunately, no injuries have been reported so far in Kochi after this incident.