Heavy rainfall hit Tamil Nadu, causing a mudslide that killed one person in the Nilgiris. On October 26 and 27, the IMD forecast more heavy rain across several districts. Authorities shut tourist spots and schools while suspending train services. Many vehicles got stranded as mudslides blocked key mountain highways recently.
On Monday, October 26, heavy to very heavy rain is likely at isolated places in Sivaganga, Ramanathapuram and Pudukkottai districts. Heavy rain is also forecast in parts of western and southern Tamil Nadu.
On October 27, isolated heavy rain is likely in Ramanathapuram, while other southern districts may receive moderate rainfall. Light rain is forecast at isolated places elsewhere in Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Karaikal.
The IMD has said there is little likelihood of significant changes in maximum temperatures across Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Karaikal until October 28, with temperatures expected to remain near normal.
The incident occurred on the intervening night of October 23 and 24, when the bus was travelling from Coonoor to Mettupalayam. More than 100 students from Kerala narrowly escaped after their vehicles halted about 300 metres behind the bus. At least two buses carrying the students, who were returning home to Palakkad, were later stranded by the mudslides.
The students were safely evacuated to Mettupalayam in minibuses, where food and shelter were provided under the supervision of Backward Classes Welfare Minister V Sampath Kumar and senior officials. More than 200 vehicles were stranded along the mountainous highway.
Burliar recorded 25 cm of rainfall, while Kil Kotagiri Estate received 20 cm, Coonoor PTO 17 cm, Alakarai Estate 16 cm, Mettupalayam 15 cm and Kothagiri 14 cm.
Mudslides blocked the Ooty-Mettupalayam and Ooty-Coonoor highways, while traffic between Batlagundu and Kodaikanal was affected by damage to arterial roads. Similar incidents were reported in Kodaikanal and along the Bodimettu Ghat Road on the Tamil Nadu-Kerala border.
Authorities shut tourist spots in the district, suspended mountain train services and closed vulnerable ghat routes to traffic between 6 pm and 7 am.
Tourists were advised against visiting the Nilgiris for three days. Schools were also shut.
Residents had pooled ₹8 lakh from their own resources last year to build the structure after repeated monsoon flooding disrupted connectivity. Villagers have long demanded a permanent bridge.
Meanwhile, the IMD said the northeast monsoon remained vigorous over Tamil Nadu, with light rain reported at most places across the state, Puducherry and Karaikal during the preceding 24 hours.
Chennai and its suburbs are likely to see partly cloudy skies on Sunday, with moderate to heavy rain possible in some areas.