Kerala: Kumily ‘felt like Kodaikanal’ on the first cold day of this winter

Idukki: Kumily or Kodaikanal? Residents of Idukki city were left stunned as persistent fog and drizzle made them experience the first cold day of this winter season. The sun remained hidden for most of the day as the mercury hovered around 22 degrees Celsius. The foggy morning after Sunday’s heavy rain gave many people the feeling of being at a hill station. According to Tamil Nadu Public Works Department officials, Thekkady and Periyar areas received 108 mm and 82.6 mm rainfall respectively on Sunday. The water level in Mullaperiyar dam reached 138 feet against the maximum permissible level of 142 feet, forcing Tamil Nadu to open its shutters at 10 am on Monday and issue two warnings. Joy Erumeda, owner of a homestay in Kumily, described the weather as charming, which reminded her of a hill station. “I woke up this morning to nice weather and saw a picturesque view from my balcony. “I felt like I was at a hill station and that is unusual in Kumily town,” he said. Due to low visibility due to dense fog, drivers had to rely on emergency lights even during the day. “I haven’t experienced anything like this for a long time,” said Nazar M from Rosapukandam. “For residents, Kumily on Monday reminded them of Ooty or Kodaikanal. We had to wear sweaters and woolen caps even inside our homes to stay warm,” he said. However, the local people got relief after the rain on Monday. The power cut that occurred overnight on Sunday destroyed refrigerators and cold storage rooms, causing losses to bakeries and owners of shops selling perishable food items.