Thaindian News

Thiruvananthapuram, Dec 31 (IANS) Incessant rain across Kerala since Friday evening is now causing panic among revellers as the much-awaited New Year-eve bash could come to nought.

The district administration has called for an urgent meeting to discuss the havoc caused by the rains that extended till Saturday morning. The forecast for the day also is bad as more rains are forecast.

“This is bad news as this is one day we always wait for eagerly. We had planned for a nightout party on Kovalam beach and things look pretty bad. We are trying to think positive but who knows what is in store at night,” said a group of dejected IT professionals, who are keeping their fingers crossed.

Kochi, which is at the forefront when it comes to celebrations on New Year’s Eve, also is hoping against hope that the rain gods show mercy.

Hotels and resorts which had planned in advance for tonight’s bash, however, have decided that they will make alternate arrangements and are getting stages erected inside their buildings.

Speaking to IANS, G. Sudhish Kumar who owns a plush resort on the edge of the Kovalam beach said they are making special arrangements to get their open courtyard overlooking the beach covered.

“We have space for 150 people and it has been booked. But now that the rains have come down like never before, we have to make alternate arrangements for the New Year bash and we have got the entire place covered,” said Kumar.

Meanwhile, the Kerala police have reinforced the security arrangements at both Kochi and Thiruvananthapuram.

“More than 1,500 policemen and women would be at Kovalam beach to see that no untoward incident happens when celebrations reach a crescendo. Cameras have been placed at all points on the beach and a special control room will monitor everything,” said a top police official.