What Triggered the Red Alert in Nilgiris and Coimbatore Ghat Areas?
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Synopsis
With heavy rains forecasted, a red alert has been issued in Nilgiris and Coimbatore. Authorities warn of landslides and travel disruptions. Stay informed and prepared as the weather system intensifies!
Key Takeaways
- Red alert issued for Coimbatore and Nilgiris due to heavy rainfall.
- Significant landslide risks in affected areas.
- Authorities urge caution and restrict vehicle movement.
- Emergency services remain active while tourist sites are closed.
- Weather system expected to intensify further.
Chennai, May 29 (NationPress) The Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) has declared a red alert for the ghat regions of Coimbatore and Nilgiris districts for Thursday and Friday (May 29 and 30). This alert warns of heavy to very heavy rainfall across several locations and extremely heavy rain in isolated areas, which could lead to landslides.
The forecast also includes alerts for heavy to very heavy rain in isolated locations within Theni, Tenkasi, Tirunelveli, and Kanyakumari districts during the same timeframe.
Dindigul and Tiruppur districts are also anticipated to experience heavy rain in certain areas.
This intense rainfall is attributed to a well-defined low-pressure system that has formed over the northwest Bay of Bengal, near the Odisha coast.
This weather system, which was persistent in the same area on Wednesday, is likely to intensify into a depression over the northern Bay of Bengal within the next 24 hours.
The associated cyclonic circulation stretches up to 7.6 km above mean sea level, tilting southward as it rises.
In the Nilgiris, the continuous rainfall has already caused landslides and roadblocks.
Traffic was suspended along the Ooty-Gudalur National Highway due to ongoing soil movement near Naduvattam.
District Collector Lakshmi Bhavya Tanneeru cautioned that two large boulders, precariously situated on loose soil and propped up by trees, present a significant risk.
“These boulders could tumble onto the road at any time. Hence, vehicular movement is prohibited in this area until further notice,” she stated.
“Only emergency vehicles like ambulances are allowed, and government buses may operate only during daylight hours,” Tanneeru added.
The National Highways and Forest Departments are collaboratively working on a mitigation strategy.
Residential areas including Nondimedu and Manjanakorai, which fall under the Ooty Municipality, experienced landslides on Wednesday.
In Manjanakorai, a mud house collapsed due to the heavy rainfall, and six trees were uprooted across Ooty and surrounding regions.
A tree fell on an electric pole on Havelock Road, while another fell near the Nilgiris Superintendent of Police’s office.
Many parts of the hill town faced power outages due to the fallen trees.
Staff from the Tamil Nadu Electricity Board and Fire and Rescue Services have been deployed around the clock to restore services and address the damage.
In Sholurmattam near Kilkotagiri, strong winds ripped off the zinc-sheet roof of a government school. Fortunately, no injuries were reported as the school was closed for holidays.
NDRF and SDRF teams are surveying vulnerable and damaged locations, providing expert advice for precautionary measures.
The Forest Department has announced the closure of all tourist sites under its jurisdiction on Thursday, except for the Kodanad viewpoint.
In the meantime, the persistent rainfall has brought a chill to the hills, with the maximum temperature in Ooty dropping to 15 degrees Celsius on Wednesday.
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Point of View
I emphasize the importance of staying informed during such extreme weather events. The safety of our community is paramount, and we encourage all residents to heed the warnings issued by meteorological authorities.
NationPress
20/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What areas are under red alert due to heavy rain?
The ghat areas of Coimbatore and Nilgiris districts are under red alert, along with parts of Theni, Tenkasi, Tirunelveli, and Kanyakumari.
What precautions should residents take during heavy rainfall?
Residents should avoid unnecessary travel, stay indoors, and follow updates from local authorities regarding road conditions and safety measures.
How can heavy rains lead to landslides?
Heavy rainfall increases soil saturation, which can destabilize slopes and cause landslides, especially in hilly areas.
Are emergency services operational during the red alert?
Yes, emergency services, such as ambulances, are permitted to operate, but non-emergency vehicles are restricted in hazardous areas.
What is the forecast for the coming days?
The forecast indicates continued heavy rainfall, with the potential for further intensification of the weather system in the region.
