Kerala lineman swims across raging stream to bring back light

Published 4 August 2026 · india

The rain had stopped, but the stream near Chatholikkundu was still in spate. On the other side lay the cause of the power failure: a

The rain had stopped, but the stream near Chatholikkundu was still in spate. On the other side lay the cause of the power failure: a rain-soaked coconut frond that had fallen on the power line. Standing on the bank, Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) lineman Mohammed Rafeek had two choices: wait for the water to subside or cross the stream. He chose the latter. Power supply to Chatholikkundu near Angadippuram has been disrupted since Saturday morning (August 1). KSEB workers made several attempts to restore it, but failed due to a short circuit caused by the wet frond.

During the inspection, they found that the obstruction was on the other side of the swollen stream. Reaching the spot was difficult as the strong current made access unsafe. Rafeek, 42, a lineman at the KSEB Angadippuram section, tried different ways to remove the frond. When they failed, he decided to cross the stream himself. He removed his khaki uniform, took a long insulated aluminium pole and entered the water. Battling the strong current, he swam across to the other side, cleared the coconut frond from the power line and completed the repair. Soon, lights returned to homes at Chatholikkundu and neighbouring areas.

For Mr. Rafeek, it was part of his job. For the residents, it was a reminder of the people who work behind essential services. The act drew appreciation from officials and the public. Electricity Minister Sunny Joseph called Mr. Rafeek and congratulated him. In a social media post, the Minister said: “Employees like Rafeek, who step forward to perform their duties without being deterred by difficult circumstances, are the strength of the KSEB. I salute his dedication and commitment.” Joseph also shared a video of Mr. Rafeek crossing the swollen stream and clearing the coconut frond from the power line on his Facebook page.

Perinthalmanna MLA Najeeb Kanthapuram, Mankada MLA Manjalamkuzhi Ali and Manjeri MLA M. Rahmatulla also praised Mr. Rafeek. Many people who responded to the Minister’s Facebook post said the personal phone call meant more than a formal honour. “The Minister’s call of appreciation meant more than any memento,” they said. In a place where a power cut had left homes waiting in the dark, a lineman’s decision to cross a stream brought back not just electricity, but also a story of duty and dedication.