Weather conditions across southern India have deteriorated sharply as a cyclonic storm brews over the Bay of Bengal, unleashing torrential downpours across Tamil Nadu. Continuous heavy rainfall in the Nilgiri district triggered severe flooding in the Moyar River, severing all outside connectivity to Tengumarahada village on Monday, October 26, 2022. With water levels surging well above the danger mark, public movement across the river has been completely suspended. This sudden isolation has sparked deep concerns among local residents regarding the steady supply of food, essential medicines, and other daily necessities. Compounding these hardships, multiple landslides have plunged the region into an even deeper crisis.
Remote Village Surrounded by Dense Forests
Nestled deep within dense forests in the Kotagiri taluk, Tengumarahada village lies in close proximity to both the Sathyamangalam and Mudumalai tiger sanctuaries. Local inhabitants depend on crossing the river to reach the outside world for vital services and supplies. Persistent heavy rainfall over the past few days across the Nilgiris and surrounding areas swelled the Moyar River significantly. By Monday, the waterway was churning with a rapid, muddy red current, rendering any attempt to cross extremely perilous. Authorities halted transit across the river route entirely as a necessary safety precaution.
Landslides Disrupt Life Across the Hills
Meanwhile, the mountainous district witnessed more than 60 landslide incidents over a span of 24 hours, ranging from minor soil slips to massive hillside collapses. One major landslide on Friday proved fatal for 51-year-old government bus driver Janagaraj, who was struck by falling debris near Periyar along the Mettupalayam-Coonoor hill highway. Continuous precipitation has left mountain slopes highly unstable, sharply escalating the risk of travel accidents throughout the region.
Transport and Railway Operations Affected
The relentless landslides have also severely crippled the Nilgiri Mountain Railway network. Train services along the Coonoor-Mettupalayam section remain temporarily suspended due to heavy debris accumulation blocking the tracks. Furthermore, with the Mettupalayam-Coonoor roadway blocked, vehicular traffic is being diverted through Kotagiri. District administration teams and fire and rescue personnel are actively conducting relief operations in the affected zones, working continuously to clear mud and rocks from roadways. The district collector has urged residents and tourists to avoid unnecessary travel on hill roads until weather conditions normalize completely. For any emergency assistance, the public has been advised to reach out to the district control room at 1077 and 0423-2450024.
