Nilgiris, Tamil Nadu – A red alert has been issued across the ghat regions of Nilgiris and Coimbatore districts for May 29 and 30, as relentless rains continue to trigger landslides, road closures, and widespread disruptions. The Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) in Chennai has forecast heavy to extremely heavy rainfall, citing a well-defined weather disturbance over the northwest Bay of Bengal as the primary driver of the adverse conditions.
The region has already witnessed alarming developments, including landslides in multiple locations, mud house collapses, and power outages. The alert comes as local authorities ramp up emergency response efforts to safeguard lives and property in vulnerable hill areas.
Low-Pressure System Triggers Torrential Rains
The current spell of intense precipitation is linked to a well-marked low-pressure area situated off the Odisha coast in the Bay of Bengal. This system, supported by a cyclonic circulation extending up to 7.6 km above sea level, has been channeling moisture-rich winds toward Tamil Nadu. As the system is expected to intensify into a depression within the next 24 hours, meteorologists are warning of further escalation in rainfall intensity over the coming days.
While Nilgiris and Coimbatore remain the epicenters of the crisis, the forecast also predicts heavy to very heavy rainfall in Theni, Tenkasi, Tirunelveli, and Kanyakumari, with Dindigul and Tiruppur bracing for localized intense showers.
Nilgiris Bears the Brunt: Landslides and Road Closures
The Nilgiris district has been severely affected, with continuous downpours loosening soil along slopes and triggering landslides. The Ooty-Gudalur National Highway, a crucial arterial route, has been partially shut down due to soil movement near Naduvattam. According to District Collector Lakshmi Bhavya Tanneeru, two massive boulders precariously perched on loosened soil pose a serious threat of collapse. The administration has closed the road for all vehicles except emergency services, while government buses are being operated only during daylight hours for safety.
In residential zones such as Nondimedu and Manjanakorai, landslides have disrupted daily life. In Manjanakorai, the collapse of a mud house due to rain further underscored the fragility of local infrastructure. No casualties were reported, but several families have been relocated as a precaution.
Electric Grid and Emergency Services Stretched
The heavy rain and strong winds have taken a toll on the district’s power infrastructure. A tree fell onto an electric pole on Havelock Road, while another crashed near the Superintendent of Police’s office. This has led to widespread outages across Ooty and nearby areas. Teams from the Tamil Nadu Electricity Board (TNEB) and Fire and Rescue Services have been deployed round-the-clock to clear fallen trees, repair electric lines, and restore supply.
Wind Damage in Kilkotagiri: School Roof Uprooted
In Sholurmattam near Kilkotagiri, gale-force winds blew off the zinc-sheet roof of a government school building. Fortunately, the incident occurred during school holidays, and no injuries were reported. The State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) have since been conducting field inspections in vulnerable and high-risk areas, providing guidance on precautionary measures and assisting with relief coordination.
Tourist Activities Curtailed Amid Safety Concerns
All tourist destinations under the jurisdiction of the Forest Department have been temporarily closed for Thursday, with the exception of the Kodanad viewpoint. Authorities cited public safety as the main concern amid ongoing rainfall and unstable terrain. The decision follows several instances of landslides near popular viewpoints, increasing the risk for visitors.
Ooty, a major hill station, has seen a sharp dip in daytime temperatures, recording a maximum of just 15 degrees Celsius on Wednesday. Local officials have advised residents and tourists to stay indoors and avoid travel to hill roads unless absolutely necessary.
Coordinated Relief and Mitigation Efforts Underway
Efforts are underway to stabilize affected zones and minimize further damage. The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and the Forest Department have begun working together on short-term mitigation measures, particularly in slope-prone areas. Slope stabilisation, controlled rock blasting, and tree cutting are being deployed to prevent road accidents and landslide recurrence.
The administration is also exploring the possibility of creating alternate diversion routes for public transport, in case the Ooty-Gudalur highway remains closed. Field monitoring teams equipped with drone surveillance have been assigned to keep track of potential geological shifts and early warning indicators.
Weather Department’s Outlook and Advisory
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the current system is likely to persist until the end of May, with intermittent breaks. The RMC has warned that the Nilgiris may experience rainfall levels exceeding 200 mm over a 24-hour window, particularly if the depression strengthens as predicted.
Residents are advised to stay informed via official weather updates and follow district administration advisories. The IMD has also issued orange and yellow alerts for several other districts, urging people living near riverbanks and steep slopes to move to safer ground.
Schools and colleges in the most affected areas have suspended in-person classes, and relief shelters have been kept on standby for emergency relocation. Health departments are maintaining medical teams on alert, and mobile clinics are being readied for deployment to remote settlements.
As extreme weather patterns become increasingly frequent in Tamil Nadu’s high-altitude regions, the current situation in the Nilgiris and Coimbatore ghats serves as a critical reminder of the need for robust early-warning systems, resilient infrastructure, and coordinated disaster response mechanisms. While emergency teams are actively mitigating damage and ensuring safety, the onus remains on both the government and local communities to adopt long-term preventive strategies. For now, with the red alert in force, residents are urged to remain vigilant and prioritize safety above all else.
