Cheepunkal (Kumarakom): In a tragic incident, a Covid patient died after he did not get treatment on time because he could not be taken to the hospital by boat through a canal blocked with water weeds.

The deceased is identified as Aymanam Vadyamekkari native Rajappan (60). He breathed his last on Monday at 3 early morning.

Rajappan had fever and was diagnosed with Covid when he was tested at Cherthala KVM hospital on Friday. He suffered breathing trouble while staying in home quarantine on Sunday night.

However, the boat could not be moved through Pennar canal as it was full of water weeds. With this, he could not be taken to the hospital.

The people of Vadyamekkari connect to the outer world through boat ride in Pennar canal as they have no other means of transportation.

After the canal was filled with water weeds, the boat service of water transport department also was stopped on Cheepunkal-Maniyaparambu route.

This area shares borders with Aymanam-Arppookkara panchayats. The locals alleged that the authorities are not taking any action to remove the water weeds.

Rajappan is survived by wife Leela, daughters Raji and Rajitha and son Rahul.