Tamil Nadu: Several areas across the southern districts of Tamil Nadu, including Dindigul, Kanniyakumari, Tenkasi, Theni, and Tirunelveli, experienced widespread rainfall on Monday. The India Meteorological Department (IMD), meanwhile, downgraded the orange alert to a yellow alert for Tuesday and Wednesday across these districts.

Tourism activities suspended amid heavy rain

As a result of the continuous downpour, tourism spots across these districts have been closed. Heavy rains during the monsoon season caused flooding in Courtallam, located in Tenkasi district. Consequently, tourists have been restricted from bathing in the waterfalls.

Similarly, in Theni district, the Suruli waterfalls experienced flooding due to copious rainfall over the Western Ghats, prompting authorities to impose restrictions on tourist access as a precautionary measure. In Kanniyakumari, the passenger ferry service was suspended due to safety concerns after the district witnessed heavy rainfall.

Nilgiris hit hard by torrential rains

The Nilgiris continued to suffer the effects of heavy rainfall, resulting in tree falls and mud slips in multiple locations across the hills on Monday. Tourist spots in the district remained closed.

Torrential rains, persisting for the third consecutive day, triggered mud slips in nearly 20 places and tree falls in 15 incidents. Areas affected by mud slips included Manjur, Emerald, Ooty, Kodappamund, and Ithalar, while tree falls were reported in Ooty, Coonoor, Manjur, and Gudalur.

Fire and rescue personnel faced difficulties in clearing the debris to restore vehicle movement. Power outages were reported in several areas as fallen trees damaged electric poles. The Ketti police station, which had recently been renovated after a previous tree fall incident, sustained damage again on Monday morning due to another tree fall.

Tourism industry suffers losses

With most tourist destinations shut, the district wore a deserted look. Hotel and resort owners reported severe losses due to the cancellation of bookings. The 65th Fruit Show at Sims Park in Coonoor was cancelled on its final day, Monday, due to the rain.

The Government Botanical Garden (GBG) was closed for two days. Tourist locations managed by the Forest Department—including Lamb’s Rock, Dolphin’s Nose, Catherine Falls, Doddabetta Viewpoint, Pine Forest, Pykara Falls, and Avalanche Lake—were temporarily closed to the public.

Evacuations and crop damage reported

As many as 32 residents from the low-lying area of Iruvayal in Sri Madurai Panchayat, Gudalur, were evacuated and sheltered at a government school in Puthurvayal as a precaution. Additionally, strong winds damaged over 2,500 plantain trees in the Puliampara locality.

Public advised to stay alert

The public has been advised to download the ‘TN-ALERT’ mobile application to monitor weather forecasts. Furthermore, the district administration has opened a control room.

Citizens can report rain-related emergencies by calling the toll-free numbers ‘1077’ and 04652-231077 for immediate assistance.